Dr. Tam O’Shaughnessy has developed an interest in science since she was a little girl. It has to be noted that one of her favorite childhood memories is of watching tadpoles in a creek gradually sprout legs, go green, and turn into frogs.






Tam studied biology in college, earning B.S. and M.S. degrees. While teaching college biology, she became interested in how kids learn and went on to earn her Ph.D. in school psychology from the University of California, Riverside. A former science teacher and award-winning children's science writer, Dr. O'Shaughnessy has extensive experience cultivating girls' and boys' interests in reading, math, and science. 


Tam finds her work with Sally Ride Science irresistible, keeping girls and boys interested in science through innovative science publications and programs. Tam is currently Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President for Sally Ride Science as well as Professor (Emeritus) at San Diego State University. 




As the Executive Vice President for Content, Dr. O'Shaughnessy is responsible for all publications and professional development at Sally Ride Science. She oversees the development of Sally Ride Science's classroom books, teacher guides, and educator institutes. In addition, Dr. O'Shaughnessy is the author of 9 science books for children, including "Our Changing Climate: Ecosystems" and "The Third Planet" (co-authored with Sally Ride), which won the American Institute of Physics Children's Science Writing Award.


It has to be noted that from 1985 until her death, Ride's female partner was Dr. Tam E. O'Shaughnessy, a childhood friend who met Ride when both youngsters were aspiring tennis players. The report that Ride was in a lesbian relationship with her partner of 27 years, Tam O'Shaugnessy was made by both Ride's sister and by a spokesperson for Sally Ride Science after her death. The sister stated that Ride preferred to keep this information private during her life.

Sally Ride was described as "very private".

Tam E. O'Shaughnessy is a great contribution to society as Sally Ride was...


R.I.P Sally Ride

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