Norbert Vance

Director of Sherzer Observatory
Physics and Astronomy Department
240K Strong Hall
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!