I work as the HR liaison for the Scientific Appointment Modernization project at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), which manages the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) based in Boulder, CO. I hold a PhD in Astrophysics from the University of Southampton, and a MA in Education from Claremont Graduate University. My MA research focused on LGBTQIA individuals in higher education, and how to improve campus climates for underrepresented students, particularly in Science, Engineering, Technology and Math (STEM).
ABOUT
My background is in astronomy: I worked for the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center (IPAC) based at the California Institute of Technology for 10 years. Starting as a visiting graduate student, I returned as a postdoc, a staff scientist supporting NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope and the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute (NExScI), and finally as IPAC's Education and Outreach Scientist and Deputy Lead for Public Affairs. My astronomy research has largely wrapped up, but when I dabble, it's in searching for dust disks around single white dwarfs and white dwarf binary systems, and working with colleagues in the hunt for exoplanets.
My MA in Education was through Claremont Graduate University in the School of Educational Studies. My focus during my MA was on the experiences of underrepresented students in K-16 education, with a particular interest in creating more inclusive environments for underrepresented students STEM. My thesis, on best practices for supporting LGBTQ students in STEM higher education, is available on my publications page. I also conducted research into outreach to the general public, and what factors affected their interest in supporting government spending on STEM research.
In 2014, I moved to Boulder to serve as the Director for Diversity, Education & Outreach at NCAR. I was responsible for the coordination of all DEO programs across NCAR, and for partnering with UCAR's Community Programs. From 2017 to 2025 I served as UCAR's Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, responsible for ensuring that all our staff felt included, like they belong, and had equal access to opportunities at our organization.
RESUME
Download my resume here: Brinkworth_Resume.pdf
ABOUT
My background is in astronomy: I worked for the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center (IPAC) based at the California Institute of Technology for 10 years. Starting as a visiting graduate student, I returned as a postdoc, a staff scientist supporting NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope and the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute (NExScI), and finally as IPAC's Education and Outreach Scientist and Deputy Lead for Public Affairs. My astronomy research has largely wrapped up, but when I dabble, it's in searching for dust disks around single white dwarfs and white dwarf binary systems, and working with colleagues in the hunt for exoplanets.
My MA in Education was through Claremont Graduate University in the School of Educational Studies. My focus during my MA was on the experiences of underrepresented students in K-16 education, with a particular interest in creating more inclusive environments for underrepresented students STEM. My thesis, on best practices for supporting LGBTQ students in STEM higher education, is available on my publications page. I also conducted research into outreach to the general public, and what factors affected their interest in supporting government spending on STEM research.
In 2014, I moved to Boulder to serve as the Director for Diversity, Education & Outreach at NCAR. I was responsible for the coordination of all DEO programs across NCAR, and for partnering with UCAR's Community Programs. From 2017 to 2025 I served as UCAR's Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, responsible for ensuring that all our staff felt included, like they belong, and had equal access to opportunities at our organization.
RESUME
Download my resume here: Brinkworth_Resume.pdf