Ogetay Kayali

I have been working at NASA/APOD (Astronomy Picture of the Day) over four years. APOD is NASA’s one of the most visited public outreach platform, that translates into 20+ languages and reaches millions every day, everywhere around the world. Meantime I’m an Astrophysics PhD candidate at Michigan Tech and I study faster than light phenomenon. 

I have founded a Turkish popular science platform Rationalist in 2016 and managed it nearly 8 years, writing more than 300 articles and served as editor for nearly 1,000. Then we merged Rationalist with the most popular science platform of Turkey, Tree of Evolution where I and wrote video scripts for its YouTube channel. I also worked with another well-known storyteller Barış Özcan, writing more than 70 video scripts and scenarios that amassed more than 50 million views. Currently, I’m focusing on my own YouTube channel.

Besides working behind the computer to do outreach, I like to connect with communities in person. I worked with science festival organizing giants that reached thousands of people through various events at a city scale. I helped organizing workshops and science experiments, was a part of the science shows, prepared educational content and taught science from kids to elders. I did most of this as a volunteer and I often continue being part of it as my schedule allows. 

I also provide advisory support to organizations and individuals seeking scientifically grounded guidance. This includes consulting with public figures, such as politicians, to ensure the accuracy and clarity of science-related messaging and to help avoid common misconceptions or misstatements.