Michelle Thaller

Michelle Thaller

Keynote Speaker: Astronomer, Astrophysicist & Science Communication Expert; Former NASA Assistant Director for Science Communication; Host of "Orbital Path" Podcast

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Michelle Thaller Biography

Dr. Michelle Thaller is an astronomer, research scientist, and science communicator known for her ability to translate complex astrophysics concepts into accessible narratives for global audiences. Thaller spent 27 years at NASA, culminating in her role as assistant director for science communication at the Goddard Space Flight Center. She earned her doctorate in astrophysics, conducting research on binary star evolution before transitioning into science communication. Thaller attended Harvard University, majoring in astrophysics and working on precision measurement of binary stars. At Georgia State University, she researched colliding winds in close massive binary systems.

Thaller’s career in science communication began at the intersection of research and public engagement. After a postdoctoral fellowship at the California Institute of Technology, she joined NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena as a staff scientist at the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center. There, she served as the public outreach lead for the Spitzer Space Telescope, facilitating the dissemination of scientific data and visualizations to broader audiences. She began in the infrared astronomy group’s public outreach program and soon focused her career on communicating astrophysics. Thaller later transitioned to NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center as a science communicator and research astronomer, eventually becoming deputy director of science communication. In this role, she represented all of NASA’s science themes, including Earth science and climate, the sun and space weather, solar system exploration, cosmology, and the deep universe.

Thaller’s media presence has made her a recognizable figure in astronomy and science communication. She appears on the History Channel show "The Universe" and the Science Channel series "How the Universe Works," "Strip the Cosmos," and "The Planets and Beyond." Thaller authored and hosted the PRX/Sky & Telescope "Orbital Path" podcast series and contributed to NASA Spitzer Space Telescope’s video podcast series "IRrelevant Astronomy." She also hosted the release of NASA’s first images from the James Webb Space Telescope, bringing her expertise to a global audience. Thaller is the author of the book "111 Places You Must Visit in the Universe."

As a public speaker, Thaller has addressed audiences on six continents, lectured at the Royal Society of New Zealand, and delivered the Christmas Lecture at the University of Notre Dame. She speaks worldwide about the importance of science literacy, curiosity, and creativity, encouraging audiences to explore the universe. Thaller emphasizes the human side of astronomy in her science communication and has spoken openly about overcoming self-doubt in her academic journey, sharing her experiences to connect with students and professionals. Following her retirement from NASA, Thaller became an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, continuing her work in astronomy education and public engagement.

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Michelle Thaller Videos

Modern physics is forcing us to rethink existence | Michelle Thaller: Full Interview
How do astronauts deal with isolation? | Michelle Thaller | Big Think
What proof is there that the universe is evolving? | Michelle Thaller

How do I book Michelle Thaller to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Michelle Thaller for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Michelle Thaller, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Michelle Thaller or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Michelle Thaller for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Michelle Thaller, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire Michelle Thaller, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Michelle Thaller speak about?

Michelle Thaller is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Space, Science, Earth Science, Technology and Research & Exploration.

Where does Michelle Thaller travel from?

Michelle Thaller generally travels from Washington, DC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Michelle Thaller?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Michelle Thaller for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805, and one of our agents will assist you to book Michelle Thaller for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Michelle Thaller or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Michelle Thaller is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Space, Science and Earth Science. Please contact us for live or virtual event fee details. Michelle Thaller generally travels from Washington, DC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Alyssa Carson, Emily Calandrelli and Shelli Brunswick. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Michelle Thaller for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 01/06/2026.

Michelle Thaller Videos

Modern physics is forcing us to rethink existence | Michelle Thaller: Full Interview
How do astronauts deal with isolation? | Michelle Thaller | Big Think
What proof is there that the universe is evolving? | Michelle Thaller
We Are Dead Stars | Michelle Thaller | TEDxBaltimore
  • How do I book Michelle Thaller to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Michelle Thaller for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Michelle Thaller, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Michelle Thaller or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Michelle Thaller for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for Michelle Thaller, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire Michelle Thaller, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Michelle Thaller speak about?

    Michelle Thaller is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Space, Science, Earth Science, Technology and Research & Exploration.
  • Where does Michelle Thaller travel from?

    Michelle Thaller generally travels from Washington, DC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for Michelle Thaller?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Michelle Thaller for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805, and one of our agents will assist you to book Michelle Thaller for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Michelle Thaller or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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