Who am I? In short: the author of five published books, editor of Ad Astra magazine, a freelance writer, editor, webmaster, and technical reviewer who has a degree in physics; was one of the first ten women flight controllers for NASA; has won the Golden Kite and American Institute of Physics Science Writing awards; has a black belt in Kuk Sool; has two brilliant sons; grew up in Ohio and now lives in Houston with her husband and cat; and who speaks about space to thousands of children every year.

Background

I became interested in space through observing the stars, following the Apollo missions to the Moon, and reading science fiction (Robert Heinlein's books shown here at a school visit were my favorite).

I grew up in Canton, Ohio, graduated from Glenwood High School, and then went off to college planning to become an astronomer. (This was in the 70's - there were no women astronauts back then!) I went to Ohio University my freshman year, and then transferred to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I graduated cum laude with a degree in physics. That summer I served as a Congressional Intern in Washington, DC, and learned how important it is to participate in our democracy.

I came to Texas to attend graduate school at Rice University in space physics and astronomy. After one year, I discovered NASA was hiring, so I applied and was fortunate to become one of the first ten women to work for NASA as a flight controller in Mission Control. (I was a Flight Activities Officer, or FAO for short.) I worked the first 5 space shuttle flights. To see a photo of me (eating a sour cherry!) during the first classified shuttle flight, STS-4, enter S82-33031 into the NASA Photo ID Search.

Although I loved being a flight controller, I loved being a Mom even more, so I left NASA to spend more time with my children. I worked part-time as an aerospace consultant for a number of years, and began sharing my passion for space through writing nonfiction, poetry, and science fiction for both adults and children. My first poem was published in Redbook, first activity in Highlights, and my first science fiction in Analog. One of my poems was selected for Poet's Market. I became a frequent contributor for Odyssey magazine, and the Program Book Coordinator for the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement. Gradually, I did less consulting and more writing until I became a full-time writer and editor.

Publications

My first book Space Station Science won the Golden Kite Award for best nonfiction book of 1999! A new edition of this book is now available in paperback from Windward Publishing. My second book, Homework Help on the Internet was published in August, 2000. I wrote the cover story for Girls to the Rescue #7 (Meadowbrook Press 2000). Home on the Moon (National Geographic 2003) won the 2004 American Institute of Physics Science Writing Award in the children's category. View the publicity flier and read reviews. I wrote The Space Explorer's Guide to Stars & Galaxies as book 8 of Scholastic’s excellent Space University series. Two of my Christian science fiction stories are in Eat My Martian Dust that came out from Baker in March 2005. (See one story on the Kuk Sool page of this website.) In 2006, I wrote "Martian Mice" for 4Frontiers' crazy4mars website, and another in 2007 for their educational package. Space and Astronomy: Decade by Decade a historical reference for age 12 and up came out from Facts On File in June 2007. I am currently the Assignments Editor for Ad Astra, the magazine of the National Space Society.

To learn more about my work, check out my BOOKS, SHORTSTUFF, and REVIEWS pages.

Affiliations

Most of my volunteer time goes into the National Space Society where I chair the Space Books committee, responsible for the "Book Review" section of their website, contribute "Mission Blogs" during shuttle flights, and participate in the Policy Committee. I'm on the board of the Johnson Space Center Chapter of the NASA Alumni League, an organization for former NASA employees. I'm also a member of the American Lunar Society.

As a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, I recommend stories and books for the Nebula and Norton awards. My favorite contemporary SF authors are Catherine Asaro and Lois Bujold. I continue to add to an inherited science fiction collection that includes copies of Science and Invention edited by Hugo Gernsback in the 1920s.

I'm a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and highly recommend aspiring writers join this group, which is very active in Houston. I'm webmaster for the chapter.

I am also a Founding Sponsor of the Challenger Center, a Senior Associate of the Space Studies Institute (SSI), a member of Sigma Pi Sigma (the Society of Physics Students), and a Presbyterian Deacon. I am a retired Precinct Chairman, but still sometimes serve as an election clerk and delegate to conventions where I do my part to educate voters and politicians about aerospace issues.

To stay healthy for my eventual trip to space, I practice the Korean Martial Art of KuK Sool. I am a first-degree black belt, called a Jo Kyo Nim. My schoolmaster is Kwahn Jahng Nim Harmon and the Grandmaster is Kuk Sa Nim, Suh, In Hyuk. Fellow martial artists may enjoy my short story involving Kuk Sool on the Moon in Eat My Martian Dust. (Order copies on my publications page or check out my Kuk Sool page).

Professional Services

If you'd like to have me visit your school or library, please go to my VISIT page. See my schedule and photos from previous visits at: Author Schedule.

I am available to the news media (and aspiring young reporters) for interviews and as a guest on radio or TV programs to discuss our future in space. Reach me at 281..486..4747.

Photos of me are available for promotional use. Click on the links for a 600 dpi version of the above "flight" photo, a low resolution headshot1 or headshot2. High resolution, 300 dpi ISDC2007 head shot at 4" square, or 300 at 3 inches, headshot2 taken January 2008.

A 1-page Word document version of my author profile is available for download: about author flier

There are detailed interviews of me posted online at: Cynthia Smith's Children's Reading Resources, and Effective Teaching Solutions.

Family/Future

I still dream about seeing Mother Earth from space, kangaroo hopping on the dusty Moon, and rock climbing in Nirgal Vallis on Mars. I have not been in space (yet!), but my husband, Ted (or Thor to our "Valhalla" friends!), is a pilot, and we enjoy flying our small plane. I have also "flown" most of the simulators at NASA. I experienced weightlessness first-hand on the infamous "Vomit Comet." (Yes, it is aptly named!) I hope that through my writing and speaking and political participation, I can encourage others to join me in overcoming the challenges that remain to building human settlements on the space frontier.