Education

• BS, Biology, Eastern Michigan University, 1979
• MS, General Science Education, Eastern Michigan University, 1984

Interests and Expertise

• Scientific instrumentation specialist II for the Physics and Astronomy Department: designs, repairs and maintains all demo, lab and project equipment for the department
• Oversees shop operations
• Maintains an extensive inventory of astronomical equipment at Sherzer Observatory, EMU Planetarium and Fish Lake Environmental Center in Lapeer, MI
• Conducts use of KEEC (Fish Lake) for astronomy course field trips.
• Directly involved in the reconstruction of Sherzer Observatory and astronomy lab following a devastating fire in March 1989
• Directly involved in the establishment of the spherical planetarium classroom in the Mark Jefferson Science Complex in 2011
• Instructor of ASTR 105 Exploration of the Universe since 1985
• Developed EMU's ASTR 315 Observational Astronomy and ASTR 320 Planetarium Science courses, instructor
• Lab supervisor of ASTR 204 Astronomical Investigations astronomy lab
• Taught middle school general science and biology, seven years
• Held various summer jobs in the auto industry in prototype car builds

Interests

• Observational astronomy
• Telescopes
• Imaging
• Astronomy education
• Planetarium science
• Earth science
• Model rockets
• NASA
• Space exploration
• History
• Interest in classic cars, especially those of American Motors Corporation
• Music: progressive rock, classical organ, synthesizers
• Sports: hockey, skiing, winter sports
• Grew up in suburban Detroit, Allen Park HS class of 1973, receiving a telescope from "Santa" in 1966 and looking skyward ever since the days of Apollo!

Publications and Presentations

• "Practical Astronomy Exercises Using Starry Night Pro" ASTR 204 manual at EMU. Norbert Vance and Thomas Kasper

Grants, Honors and Awards

• Distinguished Achievement Recognition Award for Community Engagement and Service awarded by Eastern Michigan University in 2018
• Outstanding Michigan Earth Science Teacher Award (OESTA) awarded by Michigan Earth Science Teachers Association (MESTA) in 2017

Professional

Memberships

• Michigan Science Teachers Association (MSTA)
• Michigan Earth Science Teachers Association (MESTA)
• Great Lakes Planetarium Association (GLPA)
• Eastern Michigan University Astronomy Club, advisor
• University Lowbrow Astronomers of Ann Arbor
• International Dark-Sky Association (IDA)
• Outspoken advocate for the return to and efforts for darker skies; reduce light pollution!