Norbert Vance

Director of Sherzer Observatory

Physics and Astronomy Department

240K Strong Hall

Scientific instrumentation specialist II for the Physics and Astronomy Department: designs, repairs and maintains all demo, lab and project equipment for the department
Oversees Physics & Astronomy shop and Maker Space operations, Rooms L010-L012
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

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!

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

Distinguished Achievement Recognition Award for Community Engagement and Service awarded by Eastern Michigan University in 2018 and 2023
Outstanding Michigan Earth Science Teacher Award (OESTA) awarded by Michigan Earth Science Teachers Association (MESTA) in 2017

Michigan Science Teachers Association (MSTA)
Michigan Earth Science Teachers Association (MESTA)
American Astronomical Society (AAS)
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!

Acting Building Administrator for Strong Hall