Now What?

[nowwhat??]

I post this in this forum because there are a lot of math/science focused people here -

The 10 cent tour -

Fifteen years ago, as an 18 year old, I was convicted of two counts of burglary and did four years in prison. When I got out, while working, I received a physics degree, with an emphasis in astronomy, at a major university.

My quandry is, what now? I am fortunate to have the job I have now. I work for a mid-sized firm in the technology field that didn't happen to do a background check. But I want to work in science. Actually, I would like to pursue a masters or even a PHD in cosmology. My concern is, am I even employable in this field with a felony conviction? Does the passage of time lesson the ramifications? Could I even teach? Any research position?

I have certainly turned my life around but I know I'll never work at NASA. Is there hope elsewhere?

I guess my question; is a graduate degree going to be worth the effort beyond personal satisfaction?

I don't know why the hell I am posting this here as I suspect that part of my crime is the stigma that I must carry as a convicted felon.