Celebrating the “Unbeatable Determination” of Renowned Blind Astronomer Scientist Dr. Wanda Díaz-Merced

Growing up in Puerto Rico, Wanda Díaz-Merced wanted to learn everything she could about the stars, but she started losing her sight in college and worried that her dream was over. How could she study what she couldn’t see? Díaz-Merced found a way. She learned to hear the stars using sonification, which converts data into sounds. Listening to the chimes and drumbeats detected in outer space, she made new discoveries about the universe. Today, Díaz-Merced is a leading advocate for inclusive science.

As part of a monthlong celebration of Women’s History Month, Charm City Books, Friends School and Shananigans Toy Shop are honored to celebrate Díaz-Merced’s “unbeatable determination” with author Amy S. Hansen, who collaborated on the non-fiction picture book, Wanda Hears the Stars, to inspire children to follow their curiosity no matter the challenges. As Díaz-Merced urges, “Never give up!”

Mark your calendars for Monday, March 2, at 6:30pm. It’s happening at the Friends School’s alumni center (5114 N. Charles St.). Doors open at 6pm. Tickets range from $25-$35 and include a copy of the book. Tickets can also be donated to Baltimore City public school students through Charm City Books’ Pay-it-Forward program. Additional copies of Wanda Hears the Stars will be available for sale and Shananigans Toy Shop will have a pop-up shop featuring astronomy- and STEM-related toys, kits and games.

Date: March 2 at 6:30pm (doors open at 6pm)

Venue: Friends School’s Alumni Center, 5114 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21210

Dr. Wanda Díaz-Merced is a renowned Puerto Rican astronomer and computer scientist celebrated for her innovative work in sonification. Born in Gurabo, Puerto Rico, she pursued physics at the University of Puerto Rico. After losing her sight due to diabetic retinopathy, Díaz-Merced developed methods to analyze astrophysical data through sound, allowing visually impaired individuals to engage in scientific research. She earned her PhD in computer science from the University of Glasgow in 2013 and has conducted research at institutions such as NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and the European Gravitational Observatory. Her groundbreaking work has made astronomy more inclusive and has been instrumental in advancing accessibility in science. Watch her TED Talk here.

Amy S. Hansen is the award-winning author of more than 35 books, most of them about science. Her favorite part of her job is finding out the answers to mysteries. She and Díaz-Merced met at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, and the friends decided to write Wanda Hears the Stars to inspire all young readers to find a path to success.

For ticket information and to reserve your spot, follow the ticket links below! You can also sponsor a ticket for a public school student by donating a PAY-IT-FORWARD TICKET!

INDIVIDUAL TICKET $25 (admits ONE and includes a copy of Wanda Hears the Stars)

ADULT+CHILD TICKET $35 (admits TWO and includes a copy of Wanda Hears the Stars)

PAY-IT-FORWARD TICKET $35 (admits ONE public school student and ONE parent/guardian and includes a copy of Wanda Hears the Stars)

Parking: Free parking is available in the Friends School parking lots (click here for map).