Grade six class of Westshire Elementary School gathered around as I act out the phases of the moon. This lesson was part of a larger astronomy course I taught support by an NSF-funded outreach program.
The reward of discovering the unknown that drives my research is the very same that inspires my teaching.
I have joyfully taught students from diverse backgrounds through many capacities, including my time as a music instructor, volunteer work, and various academic positions. I have led inquiry science lessons in person and virtually (via video conferencing) in the US and Canada, and lectured university classrooms in mathematics, physics, comparative literature, and philosophy.
Mentors play a crucial role in the success of students.
I’ve supervised many outstanding high school, undergraduate, and graduate students from US and international institutions. Students have been incorporated into projects that I developed; traveled with me to gain hands-on experience using the world's premier telescopes; presented results at conferences; and published papers (sometimes as first author). Many of my mentees have gone on to win scholarships and prize postdoctoral positions.
At Kitt Peak National Observatory with two students from University of Turin. We used the Mayall 4m telescope (pictured in the background). Michela (center) brandishes the air horn we were given to scare off bears.