Kevin Schindler’s journey to becoming a celebrated historian and public information officer at Lowell Observatory is as distinctive as his background. Growing up in Ohio, Kevin's earliest scientific passions were rooted in the earth itself. He spent his youth studying fossils, captivated by paleontology and dreaming of working in Northern Arizona’s rich geological landscapes. However, his path took an unexpected turn when he came across a job listing for an astronomy interpreter at Lowell Observatory. Although his knowledge of the stars was limited—famously admitting to interviewer Bill Buckingham that he couldn’t name a single constellation—Kevin’s enthusiasm and sense of adventure stood out. Buckingham, also an Ohio native, shared Kevin’s conviction that “people from Ohio can do anything!” and encouraged him to take on the challenge.
Now with nearly three decades at Lowell Observatory, Kevin has established himself as a respected figure in Flagstaff’s history and science communities. He has become known for his dedication to bringing astronomy to the public, both through his role at Lowell and as an author. His literary contributions include eight books on science and history, each aimed at inspiring curiosity and discovery in readers of all ages. His work was further recognized in May 2023 when he was appointed Astronomer in Residence at the Grand Canyon, where he shared his passion for the universe with visitors.
Kevin’s influence bridges paleontology and astronomy, marked by the rare honor of having both a fossil crab and an asteroid named after him. As Lowell Observatory’s historian, he has spent over two decades documenting its rich legacy. His commitment to community involvement is evident through his longstanding service as Sheriff of the Flagstaff Corral of Westerners International for 13 years and his involvement with the Flagstaff Festival of Science board for a similar period. Kevin’s writing extends to a bi-weekly astronomy column, “View from Mars Hill,” in the Arizona Daily Sun, along with numerous articles for other publications. He is also the author of several books, with his latest work on Pluto released in March 2018.
Kevin’s lifelong inspiration is drawn not only from the wonders of the cosmos but also from the people who influenced him. One such person was his high school Earth Science teacher, Mr. Leget, whose passion for science inspired Kevin and many of his classmates. Kevin often recalls William A. Ward’s words, “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” For Kevin, Mr. Leget was that great teacher, igniting in him a love of science that would ultimately guide his unique and impactful career.
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