Dr. Pamela L. Gay is an American astronomer, educator, podcaster, and writer, best known for her work in astronomical podcasting. She was one of the cofounders of Slacker Astronomy, and was an “on air” personality for the show from February 2005 until the end of its first iteration in September 2006. She currently works with Fraser Cain in co-hosting Astronomy Cast. She received her PhD in Astronomy from the University of Texas, Austin, in 2002.

Gay’s main affiliation is as a visiting assistant professor of Physics at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. There she teaches introductory physics and astronomy courses. However her professional interests and responsibilities range across the world. She maintains simultaneous appointments as an instructor with the University of Swinburne in Australia as part of their pioneering astronomical distance learning program.

Gay is also active in collaborative outreach efforts within the astronomical community. Her main research interests include RR Lyrae stars with which she collaborates with both professional and amateur astronomers across the world in order to gather needed data.

She is on the Council (Board of Directors) for the American Association of Variable Star Observers, as well as its Educational Committee Chair.

Gay is co-chair of the United States new media efforts with regard to the International Year of Astronomy, 2009.

She makes her home in Illinois with her husband and dogs.