FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 9 AM, January 6, 2026

Press contact: Cheryl Cummings, ccummings@bluehill.org

Distinguished Scientist and Science Leader Takes the Helm at the Blue Hill Observatory 

MILTON, MA, January 6, 2026—Dr. Alex Evans, a planetary scientist, science leader, and nationally recognized expert in science strategy and public engagement, has been appointed Executive Director of the Blue Hill Observatory located atop Great Blue Hill in Milton, MA, effective January 1, 2026. Dr. Evans brings deep experience at the intersection of science, public institutions, and community engagement, spanning academic research leadership, national science advisory roles, and the development of mission-driven programs to the role.

“The Board of Directors proudly entrusts the Blue Hill Observatory’s distinguished heritage to Dr. Alex J. Evans, a respected scientist who can fully realize its potential for public good,” said Dr. Tamara Ledley, Board Chair. “This leadership selection marks a return to the Blue Hill Observatory’s scientific roots, when Abbott Lawerence Rotch, a young Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate, constructed a scientific institution for atmospheric research atop Great Blue Hill. In 1885, Rotch started daily weather recordings that have continued unbroken for 140 years. The goal in appointing another esteemed Massachusetts Institute of Technology scientist to the helm of the Blue Hill Observatory is to ensure Rotch’s legacy continues for another 140 years and beyond, said Dr. Ledley.”

About Dr. Alex J. Evans

Dr. Evans joins the Blue Hill Observatory following more than a decade in academic and national science leadership roles. He is the Founder and Principal Investigator of LunaSCOPE, a NASA-funded research initiative focused on lunar science and exploration strategy. He has served in senior advisory capacities for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, helping shape national priorities in space science and exploration. His work has emphasized interdisciplinary research, long-term data stewardship, and translating scientific insight into decision-making frameworks.

Throughout his career, Dr. Evans has been a strong advocate for public-facing science, building programs that engage diverse audiences and connect scientific research to education, policy, and societal needs. At the Blue Hill Observatory, he will focus on strengthening the organization’s core scientific mission, expanding educational and community programming, modernizing operations, and elevating the organization’s profile as a national resource for climate, weather, and environmental data.

“The Blue Hill Observatory occupies a singular place in American science,” said Dr. Evans. “Its continuous weather record, historic significance, and public mission make it both a scientific treasure and a powerful platform for engagement. I’m honored to help steward this institution, strengthen its foundation, and ensure it continues to serve both science and the public for generations to come.”

Dr. Evans is a frequent speaker and writer on science strategy, public engagement, and the role of scientific institutions in society. He has led large, multi-institutional research teams, secured significant competitive funding, and worked closely with educators, policymakers, and community partners to broaden the reach and relevance of science.

He holds a Ph.D. in geophysics and an S.M. in geobiology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, earned a B.S.E. in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan, and has taught at Brown University. Find Dr. Evan’s bio here. 

About the Blue Hill Observatory 

The Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory, atop Great Blue Hill just south of Boston, is a unique American institution. Founded in 1885 by Abbott Lawrence Rotch, one of the most respected scientists of his time, the Observatory was established as a scientific center for measuring and studying the atmosphere and became the site of many pioneering weather experiments and discoveries. Rotch made his first weather observations on February 1, 1885, and since then, an unbroken climate record has been maintained. This remarkable resource, the most homogeneous climate record in North America, is considered a benchmark for climatology and the study of climate change in the U.S. Northeast, leading the World Meteorological Organization to recognize the Observatory as a Centennial Observing Station. The Observatory is also a recognized National Historic Landmark. Generations of meteorologists received their training at the Blue Hill Observatory.

Each year, 10,000 youth and adults visit the Blue Hill Observatory to explore the history of meteorology and the impacts of weather on today’s climate and the environment. The organization partners with K-12 educators to provide an NGSS-aligned science curriculum for the classroom that connects to programming at the Observatory. The complementary programs enhance students’ learning while immersing them in the natural setting of Great Blue Hill. More at bluehill.org.