Education and Outreach

Professional Development Program (PDP)

The Institue for Scientist and Engineering Educators (ISEE) Professional Development Program trains participants in inquiry-based learning techniques and how they can be incorporated in STEM education. Part of the program includes designing, organizing and leading an inquiry-based lab activity for high school or college aged students. As a participant in 2013, I worked with fellow IfA grads Nick Lee (team lead), Evan Sinukoff, and Megan Ansdell to design a "light and optics" themed lab activity for advanced high school students. In 2015 I returned as a team leader to design an inquiry-based lab on astronomical data reduction with Heather Flewelling and Kelly Lockhart, both at IfA. In 2019 I was again a team leader to design an activity on statistical significance and the quantitative assessment of error bars for UCLA undergraduates interested in doing research in the astronomy and physics departments.

Bay Area Scientists in Schools (BASIS)

BASIS is a program run by the Community Resources for Science (CRS) to place UC Berkeley grad students and postdocs in elementary schools in the Berkeley/Oakland area to run interactive science lessons. These inquiry-based lessons are carefully aligned with the appropriate science education standards for the given age group. From 2016-2018 I was part of a BASIS team that ran a magnets activity for 2nd graders and served on the BASIS Steering Committee.

Science Olympiads

Science Olympiads is a nation-wide program where teams of middle and high school students compete in a series of events in different Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. These test or project based events provide students with a tremendous opportunity to explore topics not otherwise covered in a typical school curriculum. From 2012-2016 I was a volunteer coach for the Iolani High School Science Olympiad team, preparing students to compete in the astronomy event. As a former Science Olympiad participant myself, I enjoyed the opportunity to give back to the program.

Additional Outreach

Throughout my time at IfA, UC Berkeley, and now UCLA, I have thoroughly enjoyed taking part in many teaching/outreach events, including:

  • IfA Open House (Scale Model Solar System), Cal Day (Planetarium Shows), UCLA Exploring Your Universe (Galactic Center Orbits)
  • Stargazing/guest lectures/planetarium shows at local schools and libraries
  • Public comet/solar eclipse/lunar eclipse viewing
  • UC Berkeley Astro Night (2016 - 2018)
  • Gemini Observatory's Journey Through the Universe Program (2013 - 2016)
  • Monthly Stargazing at the Honolulu Zoo (2012 - 2013)

Outreach, rain or shine!