Astronomy, space science, and physics have been interests of mine since I was small. My father introduced me to the night sky when I was a little girl--sitting with me on our front porch pointing out the brighter stars and constellations. I still have my first astronomy book, "The Constellations" by H.S. Rey (very well-used!). I watched all the Gemini and Apollo missions on TV while my friends played outside (can you say, geek?). In 1995 I finally joined an astronomy club after I purchased my first 'new' telescope, a Vixen 3" refractor mounted alt-az. I have been through several telescopes and mounts since then.
My main observing instrument is a Meade 10" f/10 LX200 Classic mounted on a Milburne Wedge. The telescope is deadly accurate no matter where I take it. I also have a Vixen ED80Sf on a Sphinx SXD Deluxe Computerized Equatorial Mount with Star Book & HAL-130 Tripod.
I do most of my observing at Letha House, the observatory of the Cuyahoga Astronomical Association located in Spencer, Ohio.
Credentials:
1979: Bachelor of Science, The Ohio State University
1993: Master of Arts in Education, Baldwin-Wallace College
1993 - 2004: Science Teacher, Cleveland Public Schools (1 year); Honors Physics/Physics Instructor, Padua Franciscan High School (4 years); Honors Physics/Physics Instructor, Midpark High School (7 years); plus the occasional Biology class and freshman physical siceince class.
2004 - present: Teaching Professions Lead Instructor, Polaris Career Center.
Astronomy Organizations I belong to:
Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (A.L.P.O.)
Astronomical League Member-at-Large
Astronomy Club of Akron, member since 1997 (secretary 2003-2004; newsletter editor 2004 - 2/2005)
Cuyahoga Astronomical Association, member since 1997: Member-at-large, 2003; President 2004 - 2006)
Awards
1994: Golden Apple Award (Cleveland City School District)
2002: CyberSavvy Teacher of the Year
2003: CyberSavvy Teacher of the Year
2004: Radio Shack Teacher of the Year (last year given)
2004: CAA Astronomer of the Year
2005: CAA Astronomer of the Year
2006: CAA Astronomer of the Year
2007: Baldwin-Wallace College Educator of the Year
