Date: Thu 20-Aug-2020
Speaker: Journal Discussion
Title: "Diversity is a Dangerous Set Up by Chanda Prescod-Weinstein"
We will discuss the Medium post by Professor Chanda Prescod-Weinstein: https://medium.com/space-anthropology/diversity-is-a-dangerous-set-up-8cee942e7f22 In addition to our conversation centered around reading, and borrowing the idea from the past, the final part of our seminar will include setting personal inclusivity goals for the upcoming fall semester which we will collect and share in one of the next seminars.
Date: Thu 27-Aug-2020
Speaker: Ginny Cunningham, Erica Hammerstein, Carrie Holt, Joe DeMartini, and Teal
Title: "Grad Panel for Incoming Students: What to know about the department, UMD, and College Park"
This will be a chance for the incoming first-year graduate students to ask any questions that may have not been addressed yet. Also, this is a time for the current upper-year graduate students to offer any advice about finding an advisor, tips for classes, advice about TAing, working at Goddard, general College Park area help, etc. Graduate students and undergraduate students are welcome; faculty and postdocs will not be attending.
Date: Thu 10-Sep-2020
Speaker: Richard Cosentino, Benedikt Diemer, Sean Griffin, Eliza Kempton, and Geoff Ryan
Title: "Panel Discussion: Applying for Postdoctoral Positions"
The panel, consisting of current postdocs and members of post-doc hiring committees, will answer questions and discuss applying to postdoctoral positions in astronomy, the transition between graduate school and postdoctoral studies, or general tricks and tips about these positions.
Date: Thu 17-Sep-2020
Speaker: Bekkah Lampe
Title: "From scientist to science educator: Exploring a different carer path"
Between climate change, black holes, and CRISPR, science communication is more important than ever. We need excellent educators and communicators to make sure everyone understands our world better. In college and grad school, students are trained for academic-path careers. People often feel lost when considering leaving academia for a career in science education or communication. In this presentation, Bekkah will discuss her experiences working in science education, outreach, and communication (in museums, with STEM programs, and now at NOAA), offer suggestions on how to get engaged with this field, and hopefully answer lots of your questions! Please bring any questions you'd like to this session. Bekkah holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and a master’s degree in Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She has over ten years of experience working in informal (and occasionally formal) science education, outreach, and communication. She currently is the Outreach and Education Coordinator (contracted) with the NOAA Office of Education.
Date: Thu 08-Oct-2020
Speaker: Alexander Dittmann, Carrie Holt, Richard Mushotzky, Derek Richardson, Arjun Savel
Title: "Applying to graduate school: panel discussion"
This panel discussion is geared towards astronomy undergraduate students interested or in the process of applytin to graduate programs. Panel members iinclude graduate students and faculty who recently served on admission committees; providing the undergraduates with an opportunity to ask questions about the application process and graduate school in general.
Date: Thu 12-Nov-2020
Speaker: Judith Racusin (NASA Goddard)
Title: "CubeSats: A More Accessible Platform for Space-Based Astronomy"
CubeSats and SmallSats have recently gained popularity as a cheap(er) alternative for space-based technology demonstration and astronomy, utilizing rideshare launch opportunities. With commercial companies providing off-the-shelf components, these platforms present opportunities for Universities and countries without a history of space-based telescopes. In this talk, I’ll describe how CubeSats are built and operated, some examples including the BurstCube mission currently in development at NASA/GSFC, and potential future applications.
Judy holds a bachelor’s degree in astronomy & astrophysics and general physics from the University of Michigan and a PhD in astronomy & astrophysics from the Pennsylvania State University. She is currently an astrophysicist at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. She studies gamma-ray bursts and supernova remnants as well as works on high-energy instrumentation.
