ARTIST
FUTURIST
EXPLORER
Dr. Sian Leo Proctor is a Visionary Artist, Futurist, and Explorer whose pioneering work bridges the worlds of science, space exploration, humanity, and creative expression.
Dr. Proctor made history as the first African-American woman to pilot a spacecraft on SpaceX's Inspiration4 mission.
As a geoscientist and space artist, she blends scientific expertise with the profound perspective gained from viewing Earth from orbit, creating artwork that captures our planet's beauty and fragility.
Through her company Space2inspire, Dr. Proctor advocates for diversity in space and STEM fields while inspiring global audiences to view Earth and humanity's future through an inclusive, cosmic lens.
Click the + sign below to learn more about Sian’s journey.
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Dr. Sian Leo Proctor is a Visionary Artist, Futurist, and Explorer who made history as the first artist officially selected to go to space with the SpaceX Inspiration4 mission, also becoming the first African-American woman to pilot a spaceship.
Born on Guam to a father who worked at NASA's tracking station during the Apollo missions, Proctor's artistic vision has been shaped by a lifelong connection to space and Earth sciences. Today, her work bridges the worlds of science, space exploration, humanity, and creative expression.
With advanced degrees in Environmental Science, Geology, and Science Education, Proctor's art is deeply informed by her scientific background. As a geoscience professor at Maricopa Community College, she honed her ability to communicate complex ideas through creative expression, laying the groundwork for her unique artistic style.
Proctor's journey as a space artist gained momentum through her experiences as an analog astronaut, participating in multiple simulated space missions, including a NASA-funded four-month Mars simulation. These experiences profoundly influenced her artistic themes, exploring human adaptation, isolation, and discovery.
In 2021, Proctor made history as the mission pilot for SpaceX Inspiration4, becoming the first African-American woman to pilot a spacecraft and the first Black commercial astronaut. More significantly for her art, this mission allowed Proctor to experience the Overview Effect firsthand, transforming her perspective and artistic vision.
As the first African-American to paint in space, Proctor's post-Inspiration4 work offers a rare blend of scientific accuracy and cosmic inspiration. Her art captures the fragility and interconnectedness of Earth as seen from orbit, inviting viewers to experience our planet from this unique vantage point.
Through her company Space2inspire, Proctor creates Afrofuturist art that not only celebrates space exploration but also advocates for a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive (J.E.D.I.) approach to space and STEM fields. Her work challenges us to consider humanity's future among the stars while also addressing humanity’s most pressing issues on Earth, from ecological stewardship to inclusion and diversity.
Proctor's contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of The Explorer's Club 50: Fifty People Changing the World. She serves on the National Space Council Users' Advisory Group under Vice President Harris, where she brings her artistic perspective to discussions on STEM workforce development and climate change.
As an international speaker and educator, Proctor uses her art to inspire global audiences, encouraging people to view our planet and our future from a truly cosmic perspective. Her unique combination of scientific expertise, space experience, and artistic acumen makes her a powerful voice in both the art world and the space exploration community.
Dr. Proctor's journey from a child of the Space Age to a pioneering space artist and astronaut embodies the intersection of science, exploration, and creativity. Her work continues to push boundaries, offering a visionary artistic lens through which to view our planet and humanity's relationship with the cosmos.
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As a scientist, artist, and astronaut, I believe that diverse cultural perspectives are essential to shaping our collective future. Afrofuturism, Indigenous Futurism, Asian Futurism, and Latinx Futurism are not just alternative viewpoints – they are vital contributors to our understanding and planning for tomorrow. These culturally rich and racially diverse expressions must be woven into the very fabric of the futurist agenda.
My role is to ensure that these voices are heard and respected not just in futurist discussions, but also at the science table and in our educational systems. By integrating these perspectives, we enrich our vision of the future, making it more inclusive, innovative, and reflective of our global community.
As we chart our course to the stars and beyond, let's make sure our journey is guided by the wisdom, creativity, and aspirations of all humanity. Only then can we truly create a future that belongs to everyone.
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Dr. Sian Leo Proctor: Geoscientist, Educator, and Space Ambassador
Dr. Sian Leo Proctor is a distinguished Science Educator with over 20 years of experience as a professor at South Mountain Community College. Her expertise spans a wide range of Earth and space sciences, including physical and historical geology, planetary science, astrobiology, geologic disasters, and sustainability.
As a passionate advocate for science education and communication, Dr. Proctor has participated in numerous prestigious programs that bridge the gap between scientific research and public understanding. She is a continuing Solar System Ambassador and serves on the advisory boards of the National Science Teaching Association in Aerospace, the JustSpace Alliance, and SEDS USA.
Dr. Proctor's commitment to hands-on scientific experience is evident in her participation in several significant research expeditions:
In 2019, she served as the Science Communication Outreach Officer on the JOIDES Resolution Expedition 383, investigating the dynamics of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
As a 2017 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Teacher at Sea, she conducted pollock research in the Bering Sea.
Selected for the 2016 Astronomy in Chile Educator Ambassadors Program (ACEAP), she visited major US astronomy facilities in Chile and engaged in STEM outreach activities with local communities.
In 2014, as a PolarTREC Teacher, she spent a month in Barrow, Alaska, studying historical ecology and the impacts of climate change on Arctic coastlines and communities.
Dr. Proctor's unique perspective as an artist, geoscientist, and commercial astronaut allows her to connect Earth sciences with space exploration in captivating ways. Her experience piloting SpaceX's Inspiration4 mission has added a new dimension to her educational outreach, enabling her to inspire students with firsthand accounts of viewing Earth from orbit.
As an Afrofuturist space artist, Dr. Proctor uses her creative skills to enhance science communication, making complex concepts accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. Her work advocates for a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive approach to both STEM education and space exploration.
Dr. Proctor's multifaceted career exemplifies the interconnectedness of scientific disciplines and the importance of experiential learning. Whether in the classroom, in the field, or in space, she continues to inspire the next generation of scientists and explorers, encouraging them to see our planet and its place in the universe through new eyes.
Dr. Proctor brings a wealth of experience in geoscience, space exploration, and innovative teaching methods to educational environments.
If you are interested in engaging Dr. Proctor for science education initiatives, curriculum development, or educational outreach programs, please complete this short form. One of her representatives will connect with you to discuss how Dr. Proctor's expertise can enhance your educational goals and inspire the next generation of scientists and explorers.
Consultant Inquiry Form →
Learn More About Dr. Proctor’s Experience and Credentials
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Here's a brief summary of Sian’s areas of expertise and experience.
1. Space Art: Creating Afrofuturist artwork inspired by her unique perspective as a commercial astronaut.
2. Commercial Spaceflight: Piloting SpaceX's Inspiration4 mission as the first African-American woman spacecraft pilot.
3. Geoscience Education: Teaching sustainability and disaster science as a professor at Maricopa Community Colleges.
4. Space Advocacy: Promoting a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive (J.E.D.I.) approach to space exploration.
5. Analog Astronaut Research: Participating in multiple simulated space missions, including NASA-funded Mars simulations.
6. Science Communication: Engaging audiences through media appearances, documentaries, and public speaking.
7. Leadership in Space Policy: Serving on the National Space Council Users' Advisory Group under Vice President Harris.
8. STEM Diversity Initiatives: Inspiring underrepresented groups to pursue careers in science and space exploration.
9. Sustainability and Disaster Preparedness: Applying space-based solutions to Earth's environmental challenges.
10. Artistic Exploration of the Overview Effect: Translating the transformative experience of seeing Earth from space into visual art.
This list covers a range of Dr. Proctor's expertise, from her artistic endeavors to her scientific background and advocacy work, showcasing the breadth of her value and potential appeal to various audiences.
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B.S. in Environmental Science, an M.S. in Geology, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction: Science Education.
Open Educations Resource Coordinator for the Maricopa Community College District.
22 years as a professor teaching geology, sustainability, and planetary science at South Mountain Community College, Phoenix, Arizona.
Chief Inspiration Astronaut of Space2inspire
Founder of The Proctor Foundation for Art and Science.
Selected for the 2016 Astronomy in Chile Educator Ambassadors Program (ACEAP)
Visited major US astronomy facilities in Chile and engaged in STEM outreach activities with local communities.
In 2014, as a PolarTREC Teacher, she spent a month in Barrow, Alaska, studying historical ecology and the impacts of climate change on Arctic coastlines and communities.
Mission Pilot for SpaceX Inspiration4, the first all-civilian orbital mission.
First female Commercial Astronaut Spaceship Pilot and the only African American woman to ever be a Mission Pilot.
First African-American commercial astronaut
First African-American to paint in space
Member of the National Space Council Users’ Advisory Group
Member of The Explorer’s Club 50: Fifty People Changing the World the World Should Know About.
Artist & Explorer in Residence at Arizona State University (ASU)
XRts Fellow at the ASU Mix Center.
Completed four Analog Astronaut
All-female SENSORIA Mars 2020 mission at the Hawai’i Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS) Habitat
NASA-funded 4-months Mars mission at HI-SEAS
2-weeks Mars mission at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS)
2-weeks Moon mission in the LunAres Habitat.
Finalist for the 2009 NASA Astronaut Program
NASA Solar System Ambassador
Served on the Explore Mars Board of Directors
Advisory Baords of JustSpace Alliance, SEDS USA, and the National Science Teaching Association’s Aerospace.
Science Communication Outreach Officer on the JOIDES Resolution Expedition 383
Completed 2-months at sea with researchers investigating the Dynamics of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
Completed 2-week faculty development seminar Exploring Urban Sustainability in India
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Teacher at Sea
2016 Astronomy in Chile Educator Ambassador (ACEAP), and a 2014 PolarTREC Teacher investigating climate change in Barrow, Alaska. She is a Major in the Civil Air Patrol and serves as a member of the Arizona Wing Aerospace Education Officer.
Sabbatical at Arizona State University’s Center for Education Through Exploration creating virtual field trips.
2012-13 sabbatical at the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Emergency Management Institute
Appeared in multiple international science shows including the Netflix DocuSeries titled Countdown: Inspiration4.
Afrobotica Art flew to space with the Axiom Space Ax3 Mission.
A Brief Journey of
Dr. Proctor’s Journey
1. Early Inspirations: A Child of the Space Age
Born on Guam, young Sian grew up surrounded by the excitement of the Apollo missions. Her father's work at NASA's tracking station planted the seeds of curiosity about space and our place in the universe. Even then, Sian was drawn to creative expression, finding wonder in the colors and patterns of her island home.
2. The Academic Journey: Discovering Earth's Stories
As Sian pursued her education in Environmental Science, Geology, and Science Education, she developed a deep appreciation for Earth's complex systems. This scientific understanding began to influence her artistic vision, inspiring her to capture the beauty and fragility of our planet through various mediums.
3. Educator and Communicator: Sharing the Wonders of Science
Sian's passion for knowledge led her to become a geoscience professor, specializing in sustainability and disaster science. Her ability to convey complex ideas creatively began to shine, as she used art to make scientific concepts more accessible to her students and the public.
4. Analog Astronaut: Simulating Life Beyond Earth
Participating in multiple analog astronaut missions, including a NASA-funded four-month Mars simulation, Sian gained unique insights into the challenges of space exploration. These experiences began to shape her artistic perspective, inspiring works that explored the human experience of isolation, adaptation, and discovery.
5. The Birth of Space2inspire: Art Meets Advocacy
Recognizing the power of art to inspire and educate, Sian founded Space2inspire. Through this platform, she began creating Afrofuturist art that not only celebrated space exploration but also advocated for diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. Her work started gaining recognition for its unique blend of scientific accuracy and creative vision.
6. Inspiration4: An Artist's Journey to Space
In 2021, Sian's lifelong dream became a reality as she piloted the SpaceX Inspiration4 mission. This historic flight made her the first African-American woman to pilot a spacecraft and the first Black commercial astronaut. More importantly for Sian, it provided her with the ultimate artist's perspective – viewing Earth from space.
7. The Overview Effect: A Transformative Artistic Experience
Experiencing the Overview Effect firsthand profoundly impacted Sian's artistic vision. The sight of Earth from orbit, fragile and interconnected, became a central theme in her work. She began creating pieces that captured this unique perspective, aiming to share the transformative experience with others through her art.
8. Space Artist Extraordinaire: Bringing a Cosmic Perspective to Earth
Post-Inspiration4, Sian's art took on new dimensions. As the first African-American to paint in space, she now creates works that blend her scientific knowledge, space experience, and artistic skill. Her pieces offer viewers a chance to see Earth and humanity's place in the cosmos through the eyes of someone who has truly been there.
9. Advocate for J.E.D.I. Space: Art as a Tool for Change
Today, Sian uses her art and platform to advocate for a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive approach to space exploration. Her work challenges viewers to consider the future of humanity among the stars while addressing pressing issues on Earth.
10. The Continuing Journey: Inspiring Through Art and Experience
As a member of the National Space Council Users' Advisory Group and an international speaker, Sian continues to push boundaries. Her unique combination of scientific expertise, space experience, and artistic talent allows her to inspire people around the world, encouraging them to view our planet and our future from a truly cosmic perspective.
MEDIA REQUESTS
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As a groundbreaking space artist, commercial astronaut, and science communicator, Dr. Proctor brings a unique perspective to any discussion about space, art, science, and human potential.
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