Ms. Kern has served in a number of roles at Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta, Georgia, as Director of Education and of External Programs as well as Dean of Science between 1995 and 2007. She was formerly a physics educator and worked as an astronomer and physicist for Fernbank Science Center. She has appeared as a guest astronomer for CNN International and has written for Science and Mind Magazine. Ms. Kern has served on the board of multiple organizations, including ARCS (Achievement Rewards for College Scientists), Stone Mountain Industries and the Pittuloch Foundation. She holds a B.A. in Physics from Agnes Scott College and a graduate degree in Physics and Education from Emory University.