Teaching Experience

Instructor of Record for A100: The Solar System
Indiana University, June-July 2016

During the summer of 2016, I was the instructor of record for A100: The Solar System at Indiana University. I was solely responsible for the entire course and designed a cirriculumn based on in-class, hands-on activities.

The first half of the course provided a general introduction to astronomy and covered topics such as the celestial sphere, the history of astronomy, moon phases, seasons, and motions in the solar system. The second half of the course gave an introduction to the solar system and covered the planets, dwarf planets and other minor solar system bodies, exoplanets, and space missions.


Associate Instructor
Indiana University, August 2014 - May 2016

Duties included holding office hours and review sessions, guest lecturing, grading assignments, and leading extra-credit rooftop observing sessions and solar labs.

Courses:
- A100: The Solar System
- A103: The Search for Life in the Universe
- A105: Stars and Galaxies
- A452: Extragalactic Astrophysics

Public Outreach

I am highly committed to engaging with the public regarding my passion for the wonders of space. I love being involed in public outreach activities both formally through my current institution and in more informal settings. I am happy to do anything from giving casual stargazing lessons to giving talks about my astronomical research or my experience as a scientist in general.


Outreach Coordinator

Previously, I was the outreach coordinator for the IU astronomy department. For this position, I was involved in many activities such as hosting and organizing public observing sessions with IU’s Kirkwood Observatory, leading observatory tours, speaking with local groups about astronomy, and partnering with local events such as Science Olympiad and the IU Science Fest. Examples of outreach activities:

  • Wonderlab Science Museum Space Camp
    Gave an observatory tour, an interactive lesson on meteorites, and led a solar observing session for kindergarteners.
  • Boys and Girls Club
    Gave an observatory tour and led an interactive lesson on constellations to 6-10 year olds.
  • Owen County Head Start
    Gave an observatory tour, an interactive lesson on meteorites, and taught songs to learn about the Solar System to 3-5 year olds
  • Summit Science Spectacular
    Ran interactive astronomy activities for K-6th grade students at Summit Elementary School
  • Boy Scouts of Indianapolis
    Ran interactive, hands-on activities for Boy Scout troupes to help them earn their Out Of This World badge.

More information about astronomy outreach at IU can be found here. Please contact the IU astronomy department if you would like to have them involved in your event or if you have further questions about outreach at IU.


Guest Lecturer

I frequently visit schools to talk to students of all ages about my experiences in astronomy. My talks typically cover topics such as the scale of the universe, the Curiosity Rover on Mars, dwarf and almost-dark galaxies, and variable stars.

  • St. Stephen Catholic School, Grand Rapids, MI
    2nd Grade
  • Cortez High School, Cortez, CO
    Various grades
  • Rehoboth Middle and High Schools, Rehoboth, NM
    Various grades
    Article about these talks from The Navajo Times
  • Lake Michigan Catholic Elementary School, St. Joseph, MI
    4th and 5th grade
  • Sylvester Elementary School, Berrien Springs, MI
    4th grade
  • Berrien Springs Middle School, Berrien Springs, MI
    8th grades
  • Berrien Springs High School, Berrien Springs, MI
    Various grades
  • Lighthouse Christian Academy, Bloomington, IN
    3rd grade
  • Bloomington Montessori School, Bloomington, IN
    Pre-K

Observatory Open Houses

At Indiana University, I hosted public observing nights at the historic Kirkwood Observatory. The observatory was built in 1900 and hosts a 12-inch refractor. More information about the Kirkwood Observatory can be found here.

While at Calvin College, I hosted public and student observing nights. Calvin’s observatory contains a 16-inch computerized research telescope. More information about Calvin’s observatory can be found here.


Indiana University Science Fest

Every fall, Indiana University hosts Science Fest. This event is open to the public and gives participants hands-on experiences in various science fields. I volunteer with the IU astronomy department to lead astronomy activites such as creating comets, using an infrared camera, and making scale models of the Solar System.