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I grew up under the dark skies up in the mountains
of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, never once imagining where
my interests in chemistry, physics and astronomy
would take me. My decision to pursue astronomy did
not come until college when I witnessed an almost
complete solar eclipse. That event inspired me to
look for opportunities to do scientific research
in astronomy. From 1992 to 1994, I participated
in three summer internships through the NSF
Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program.
My work at the National
Astronomy and Ionosphere Center at Arecibo Observatory,
at the National Radio
Astronomy Observatory Very Large Array in Socorro,
New Mexico, and at Cornell University introduced
me to the diverse research programs in the field
of astronomy and helped me refine my own research
interests.
After completing my bachelor's degree at the University
of Minnesota in 1995, I worked with the HST
data on the peculiar HII region, N44C. This project
satisfied my interests in chemistry and astronomy
as I analyzed optical spectra and calculated chemical
abundances with Dr. Don Garnett. My graduate work
at New Mexico State
University also focused on the chemical abundances
of HII regions and Supernova Remnants. To fulfill
my graduate student responsibilities, I worked with
children and adults in a variety of educational
programs, such as Project ASTRO. These rewarding
experiences sparked my passion for informal science
education.
Shortly after finishing my Master's degree in Astronomy,
I moved to Chicago to develop a career exploration
program for teens at the Museum
of Science and Industry. During this 3-year
pilot program, students from public high schools
throughout the city have explored a variety of careers
in science, math and technology, including Space
Science. I also run the only NASA
Educator Resource Center in Illinois where I
assist teachers throughout the state with science
curriculum development and training. In addition
to these programs, I provide science content support
in developing exhibits and education programs at
the Museum. During my free time, I teach high school
students in a primarily Puerto Rican community on
the northwest side of Chicago about careers in Astronomy
and at NASA. Although the students and teachers
I reach may not become scientists themselves, exposing
them to the wonders of science will help them to
understand its importance in our world. This understanding
is critical to maintaining public support and funding
for scientific research.
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