Wright State alum Emily Morgan’s book reaches new heights

Authors sometimes have their books read aloud to an audience in bookstores, libraries and special gatherings, but Emily Morgan had one of hers read in a setting out of this world, literally: the International Space Station.

Her picture book “Next Time You See a Sunset” was read by astronaut Mark Vande Hei while in orbit as part of Storytime from Space. The initiative aims to inspire children by combining storytelling with science education in an out-of-this-world setting.

“That is the coolest thing that ever happened to me,” Morgan said.

Another cool thing happened to her: She received the 2025 College of Health, Education and Human Services Outstanding Alumna Award from the Wright State University Alumni Association.

Morgan graduated from Wright State in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She began her teaching career in middle school science at Northridge Local Schools and later taught elementary science lab at Mason City Schools.

“Science” is the keyword when discussing Morgan’s passion. She is driven to connect students with the wonders of science and nature. In doing so, “I developed a love of picture books,” she said.

She became an author with Picture-Perfect Science Lessons, which combines science and literacy in engaging science-related picture books.

Morgan writes the “Next Time You See” picture book series for children. Each book features a natural object, in the case of the book read in space, a sunset.

“After reading it, the next time you see it, you’ll see it in a whole new way,” she said of each of her book’s focal points.

Emily Morgan received the 2025 College of Health, Education and Human Services Outstanding Alumna Award.

She has led Picture-Perfect Science workshops at schools, universities and conferences nationwide.

Morgan has also authored 19 books for the National Science Teaching Association and one with Corwin Press. Her works include resources for educators, such as “Balance Screen Time with Green Time: Connecting Students with Nature,” which promotes outdoor learning experiences.

She is a consultant for the Ohio Afterschool Network, coordinating the Moonshot Ohio Initiative, which strives to increase afterschool and summer science, technology, engineering and mathematics programming for students.

Morgan is also a board member of Lakota Robotics and iSPACE: The STEM Learning Place.

She comes about her affinity for science and teaching naturally, inspired by her father, a high school science teacher.

“My parents encouraged us to think big and believe in ourselves,” Morgan said. “The important piece is doing the work. Putting the work into making it happen.”

Being recognized by Wright State University holds deep meaning for Morgan. “My experience at Wright State helped me,” she said. “I’m forever grateful.”

Morgan lives in West Chester with her husband, Jeff, their teenage son, Jack, and their dog, Copernicus.