Renowned astrophysicist joins Hyperspace initiative to expand access to astronomy and deepen public engagement with science
DETROIT, July 21, 2025 — The Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) and Wayne State University (WSU) are pleased to announce that Dr. Ed Cackett, Distinguished Service Professor of Physics & Astronomy and Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies at WSU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, will serve as Mi-Sci’s 2025–2026 Astronomer In-Residence.
This new position is part of Mi-Sci’s Hyperspace initiative, a transformative effort that includes a renovated planetarium, a new immersive star show, upgraded air and space exhibits, and NASA-funded educational programs for youth. Dr. Cackett will bring scientific rigor, dynamic storytelling, and authentic research insights to the initiative, helping Mi-Sci further its mission to Put You at the Center of Science.
“We are honored to welcome Dr. Ed Cackett as our Astronomer In-Residence,” said Dr. Christian Greer, President and CEO of the Michigan Science Center. “His depth of knowledge and passion for science communication and public engagement align perfectly with our mantra of ‘Putting you at the center of science.’ We know he will do an amazing job of elevating the content quality and visitor experience across our planetarium, interactive exhibits, and youth programming. Collaborating with Dr. Cackett will help ensure our content is not only accurate but deeply inspiring for learners of all ages.”
“I’m thrilled to serve in this new role and share my passion for astronomy and space with the public,” said Cackett. “This partnership is a great example of how Wayne State connects with the surrounding community. I’m especially excited to help develop a new planetarium show as part of Mi-Sci’s amazing new Hyperspace initiative.”
An internationally recognized astrophysicist, Dr. Cackett specializes in high-energy astrophysics, black holes and neutron stars. His research has been supported by NASA and the National Science Foundation, including the prestigious NSF CAREER Award. A champion for science communication and youth mentorship, he has received numerous accolades from Wayne State, including the Richard J. Barber Faculty Recognition Award and the Sultana N. Nahar Prize for Distinction in Research.
As Astronomer In-Residence, Dr. Cackett will:
- Ensure scientific accuracy across planetarium shows, exhibits, and educational materials.
- Support content development for “Hyperspace: A Stellar Odyssey” and Mi-Sci’s air and space exhibition.
- Mentor youth and emerging scientists through the NASA-funded Urban Skies Equitable Universe program.
- Lead public events such as lectures, live Q&As, and special family programming.
- Represent Mi-Sci publicly, helping expand media reach, institutional partnerships, and fundraising visibility.
- Cackett’s appointment reinforces Mi-Sci’s commitment to equity in STEM education and public access to cutting-edge science. His leadership will expand outreach to underrepresented youth, deepen collaboration with local schools and universities, and build capacity among Mi-Sci educators.
This appointment also strengthens the partnership between Mi-Sci and Wayne State University—two leading Detroit institutions united by a shared vision of empowering learners, inspiring curiosity, and unlocking scientific opportunity for all.
About Wayne State University
Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 375 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to 24,000 students.
About The Michigan Science Center
The Michigan Science Center’s core mission is to advance STEM learning (science, technology, engineering, and math) across all ages and disciplines through discovery, innovation and interactive education. As a STEM hub, Mi-Sci focuses on developing and introducing expanded education programs, exhibits and initiatives to empower and enrich our children and community.
Mi-Sci’s goal is to be a pioneering force for the future of STEM education in Detroit and a dynamic destination in Michigan, making itself accessible, engaging, and transformative for all while fostering a vibrant, culturally relevant, community STEM hub where learning is deeply personal, profoundly social, and inherently joyful.
As a Smithsonian affiliate, Mi-Sci inspires nearly 250,000 curious minds of all ages every year in Detroit and across Michigan. Through our Traveling Science Program and distance learning initiative, ECHO, Mi-Sci reaches beyond our Detroit-based facility across Michigan. With the Toyota Engineering 4D Theater, live science demonstrations, lab activities and 220+ interactive exhibits, there are dozens of ways to customize your Mi-Sci visit. The Michigan Science Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and does not receive funding from Detroit or the state of Michigan. For more information, please call 313.577.8400 or visit the website, Mi-Sci.org.