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Having worked as a piercing artist, driving instructor and mentor to adolescents struggling with substance abuse, Hunter Pratt didn't believe he was a typical candidate for a science career – but when he started studying the universe and the planets, he found a sense of belonging. Now a senior studying astrophysics at CU Boulder, Pratt’s unconventional background drives his deep commitment to his work in science outreach: making astronomy accessible to people with a wide range of backgrounds and interests, including those who feel disconnected from science topics.��

While working towards his bachelor’s degree, Pratt founded Astronomy on Tap Boulder, an event where scientists present space topics in a comfortable, social environment to educate and spark interest in community members. Pratt also launched the astronomy podcast Open Orbit, broadcast through KVCU 1190 Radio.��

Pratt interviews Associate Professor Steve Lamos for episode 11 of the Open Orbit podcast, where they discussed communication barriers between researchers and the general public.

“Once I began the Open Orbit podcast and Astronomy on Tap Boulder, it felt like my passion for understanding and feeling connected with the universe wasperfectly matched with my love for community building. There is a growing mistrust of science, and effective, approachable communication is mandatory for science to thrive,” Pratt explained.������

The podcast, according to Pratt, “strives to bridge the gap between scientific researchers and the broader public, ensuring that science feels accessible rather than out of reach.” The podcast features a range of guests, with researchers, educators and students invited to discuss science topics—in an approachable and inviting way—ranging from black holes to planetary exploration.����

With Astronomy on Tap events occurring in cities across the world,��including Los Angeles, Nashville and Copenhagen, Pratt felt inspired to bring Astronomy on Tap to Colorado and share this event with a new community. Astronomy on Tap Boulder shares similar goals with the Open Orbit podcast, hosting events with a variety of presenters in a comfortable, informal setting that encourages conversation about astronomy outside of a traditional classroom environment.����

“My goal with Astronomy on Tap Boulder is to bring astronomy and science to people who are skeptical of it or would otherwise not be introduced to it. I know that many people do not have the chance to engage with science and astronomy in the way that I do, and I think that is unfortunate. These projects create spaces where people can learn about astronomy in ways that are casual, welcoming and non-intimidating,” said Pratt.����

The topics explored in both Open Orbit and Astronomy on Tap Boulder are informed by Pratt’s research on science communication and outreach, as well as his previous research in astrophysics, heliophysics and planetary science. In addition to these initiatives, Pratt speaks regularly at Fiske Planetarium, teaching diverse audiences about astronomy and mentoring beginner presenters.����

Javeed Alimuradov, an undergraduate who has been involved with the production of the Open Orbit podcast since its early days, said the goal is to make science feel like an accessible way of engaging with the world. “Our mission is to demonstrate that science isn’t meant to be something that’s gatekept behind jargon,” he explained, adding that people should feel encouraged “to question, explore, and most critically, consider one’s own thoughts and experiences with an open mind.”����

Attendees at early Astronomy on Tap Boulder event.��

Photo credit: Sarita Narayanswamy��

The community reach of Astronomy on Tap Boulder and the Open Orbit podcast speaks for itself. Astronomy on Tap Boulder events average 135 attendees, with the most recent event in March 2026 reaching more than 220 people. Episodes of the Open Orbit podcast can be found on major audio-streaming platforms like Spotify or broadcast on KVCU 1190's Denver and Boulder stations, with full-length video episodes available on YouTube.��

As Pratt’s time at CU Boulder nears its end, he hopes the Open Orbit podcast continues after his graduation. “I am creating a framework for this type of project to be recreated by any group or institution that would want to do something similar,” Pratt said. With that expansion, Pratt hopes the format can reach new audiences across the U.S. and continue to spark interest in science among diverse audiences—especially those who don’t view themselves as “science people” like��he once did.He plans to transfer the framework of Astronomy on Tap Boulder to a passionate undergraduate student with a desire to grow the program for future generations, continuing his mission to connect communities with science topics for years to come.