Candidates for GLPA Offices

UW-Milwaukee Manfred Olson Planetarium
Milwaukee, WI

• B.Sc. Physics, University of Athens, Greece
• M.Sc. Astronomy, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Canada
• Ph.D. Astrophysics, University of Waterloo, Canada
• Postdoctoral Researcher at the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center at Caltech
• 26 years experience of teaching astronomy at many levels
• 18 years experience of directing the Manfred Olson Planetarium

• Member of GLPA 17 years (first conference in 2008)
• Paper presentations at every conference (occasionally workshops or panels)
• As part of the GLPA’s Education Committee, I contributed to a document and a website about ways to incorporate the New General Science Standards (NGSS) into planetarium programs for school groups.
• Chair of the Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota Planetarium Society (WIMPS) from Oct. 2012 through Nov. 2021
• Collaborated with several other GLPA members to create (co-write script and co-host) a DVD with best practices of planetarians for all members to benefit from — Live from the Planetarium

• GLPA [Member of the Education Committee of GLPA (2016 – 2022)]
• International Planetarium Society [Member of the Educational Committee of the IPS since July 2023]

• 2017 Regents Academic Staff Excellence Award — Individual (June 2017)
• UWM Academic Staff Outstanding Performance and Service Award (Oct. 2017)
• Great Lakes Planetarium Association Fellow Award (Oct. 2012)
• UWM Academic Staff Outstanding Performance and Service Award (Oct. 2012)
• UWM Academic Staff Professional Development Award, 2011-2012
• W. B. Pearson Medal for outstanding Ph.D. thesis, University of Waterloo, 1998

In my 18 years as part of the planetarian community, I have been inspired by the resourcefulness and generosity of my colleagues. I am honored to be nominated for President-Elect. For many of us, GLPA provides our most relevant networking and professional development opportunities. As President-Elect, I would encourage initiatives during and outside our conference where we can share our challenges and solutions. Could we have quick tutorials about tricks or tools that we use that make our work easier? Education is at the heart of what we do. The night sky and space exploration excite awe and wonder in our audiences, shaping the next generation of curious learners. Live programs connect us with our audiences and build trust in science. As President-Elect, I would encourage our community to highlight our Earth, our shared home, and explore how the sky can help us find common ground among people. I have spent many years thinking about how to share the planetarium stage with voices of many cultural backgrounds. In a time when science, education, and even civility face challenges, planetarians have an important role to play. As President-Elect, I would foster ways to connect and learn from each other and work with you to strengthen how our planetariums serve our communities.

Michigan Science Center
Detroit, MI

• Bachelors of Science in Physics from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
• REU Participant – Texas A&M 2011
• Broward College Buehler Intern

• GLPA Membership Chair (2016-2024)
• Michigan State Chair (2019-2021)
• Michigan State Meeting Host (2019)
• Yearly paper presentations since 2016

• GLPA
• International Planetarium Society
• NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador
• Association of Science and Technology Centers
• Michigan Museums Association
• 2016 TEDxDetroit Alum
• TEAM II Co-I

• GLPA Fellow

I’m running for President-Elect because I want to give back to the organization that has given me so much. I went to my first GLPA in 2009 while in college and the organization helped to shape my career path. After a year as the Broward College Buehler intern, I wanted to return to the GLPA region and really get involved. In 2016, I took over as GLPA Membership Chair and served in that role until 2023.

The work that we do as planetarians is more important than it ever has been in the past. During a time of anti-science and uncertainty, we can gather people of all different backgrounds and beliefs and find common ground in the nighttime sky. Something that we have spent most of human history wondering about and sharing stories.  I believe in the power of collaboration and inclusivity.

If elected as President-Elect, I would seek out diverse perspectives and engage in constructive dialogues with our members as well as those in other organizations. I am committed to listening to the concerns of our organizational members and using that feedback to guide our future as an organization. I want everyone who joins the organization to feel like they belong as part of GLPA and continue to grow our organization. I have loved being part of GLPA and will continue to be part of the organization for many years to come.

Bell Museum
St. Paul, MN

• M.Ed. in Science Education, University of Minnesota
• B.A. in Physics, Albion College, Albion, Michigan

• GLPA Conference Host (2025)
• WIMPS State Chair (2021 – present)
• WIMPS State Meeting host (2019)
• GLPA Education Sub-Committee (2017 – 18)
• Paper and poster presentations at GLPA conferences

• GLPA
• International Planetarium Society
• Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society (2000 – 2006)
• Minnesota Regional Planetarium Network (founding member)
• Falcon Heights-Lauderdale Lions Club

• PI, Interactive Water Resources Programs for Planetariums in Minnesota, funded by the Minnesota Legislature
• PI, Stories From the Home Planet, funded by the American Alliance of Museums’ Museum Connects program
• Tekne Award for Technology Excellence in Higher Education or Non-Profit Organization, Minnesota Planetarium Society (2010)
• MAPS Exceptional Service Award (2006)

I have been proud to serve as the GLPA Secretary over the past two years. I learned what a value the organization is to planetarium professionals when I first attended a conference more than 20 years ago. I felt so welcomed at that conference, and I appreciated how GLPA celebrated new members. Being on the executive committee has allowed me to truly understand the hard work everyone puts in to provide that value to you, its members. Even after two years I feel like I still have so much to discover about how the organization operates and look forward to the opportunity to help shape its future.

Staerkel Planetarium
Champaign, IL

• B.S. in Physics, Astronomy, & Math from the University of Iowa
• M.S. in Astrophysics from Iowa State University

• Website Redesign Subcommittee (2023)
• Illinois state meeting host (2024)
• Conference Workshop Coordinator (2024 – present)
• Illinois state chair (2025 – present)

• International Planetarium Society
• Champaign–Urbana Astronomical Society
• Champaign County Museums Network
• Science Olympiad

My journey into the planetarium field was unexpected. I have loved astronomy as far back as I can remember, but I didn’t work in a planetarium until I began graduate school. I was fortunate to get a job teaching at a community college with a planetarium, which I used for as many classes as possible. Eight years later, the college selected me for a more public role as the planetarium director. I was encouraged to get involved in the community of planetarians by my colleagues, and it was immediately rewarding. People were friendly, welcoming, clever, and inspiring. I learn so much from my interactions with you, so I attend every conference I can.

I notice and appreciate the efforts people make to support and mentor new members of the community. To that end, I have been a part of the inclusion and outreach officer’s network of helpers, I hosted a state meeting last year, I have reached out to new contacts as Illinois state chair, and I assist the conference planning chair by coordinating the workshops.

I thank the Nominations Committee for recognizing my dedication to GLPA by selecting me as a candidate for Secretary. I look forward to the chance to contribute to the organization in this capacity and I know I would gain a greater understanding of its functions by recording executive committee meetings and reviewing the by-laws.

Thank you all for your consideration.

Lake Erie Nature and Science Center
Bay Village, OH

• B.S. in Astronomy and Physics from Youngstown State University
• M.S. in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University

• Member of Education Subcommittee (2019 – present)
• Member of Website Redesign Subcommittee (2023 – present)

• GLPA
• Cleveland Regional Association of Planetariums member and host of monthly meet-ups 1-2 times per year (2012 – present)
• Volunteer with ScoutsBSA and certified merit badge counselor (2004 – present)
• NISE Network member, participant in 2018 conference (2023 – present)
• International Planetarium Society, member and participant on Education Subcommittee

• Initiated virtual learning program at an institutional level
• Featured speaker for the Women’s Board fundraiser event
• Co-presenter with Dr. Jeanne Bishop for interdisciplinary planetarium field trip programming for Westlake
  School District
• Presented at State GLPA meetings from 2019 onward

The support network of the Great Lakes Planetarium Association has helped me in more ways than I can express. I have been a member for 9 years, and absorbing every bit of information I could along the way. It would be such an honor to give back to the organization that has already given me so much. Coming from a small planetarium attached to a nature center, I wear many hats and manage my time effectively. Being Treasurer for GLPA would be a personal and professional privilege as well as a new challenge and new skills to learn along the way. Even in serving this fantastic community, I will still be learning and growing. Thank you for your consideration for Treasurer.

Science Central
Fort Wayne, IN

• B.S. in Physics and Astronomy

• Indiana State Chair (2024 – Current)

• GLPA
• Fort Wayne Astronomical Society (Vice President)
• Ecofest Board Member
• TeenWorks Advisory Council Member
• NASA Solar System Ambassador
• Sigma Pi Sigma

• 2026 ACEAP Ambassador

I strive every day to make the world a better place and to put knowledge of science in the forefront of the minds of children and adults alike. Now, more than ever, sharing science education and creating positive experiences in learning is vital to our wellbeing. Working in a planetarium isn’t being Superman. We don’t stop buildings from falling, but we can discern the difference between a bird, a plane, and a man in the sky — and help others do the same. I want to forward my position in GLPA to continue that mission. To help more. Let’s go forward together and change the world!

Berkeley, CA

• General Associates from Lansing Community College, 2010
• Bachelor of Science in Astronomy & Astrophysics from University of Michigan, 2013

• Beyond the Lakes Chair (2017 – 2021)
• Presented a paper and/or poster at most GLPA conferences since becoming a member in 2017 as well as at IPS 2024

• GLPA
• International Planetarium Society (IPS) [Member 2021 – present, EDI Mentorship & Belonging Co-Chair 2024 – present]
• Pacific Planetarium Association (PPA) [member: 2018 – present, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility. IDEA) Committee member: 2020 – 2024, Secretary 2021 – present]
• California Academy of Sciences (CAS) IDEA Committee [member 2018 – present, Core Team member 2020 – 2024, Indigenous Solidarity subcommittee member 2020 – 2024]
• CAS Staff Advisory Council [member 2017 – 2024, Secretary 2019 – 2020]

• 15 years in the planetarium field this fall
• Award for Excellence in Astronomy Education and Outreach from the U-M Department of Astronomy 2013
• GLPA Fellow 2022

I was incredibly honored and excited to be asked to run for the position of Inclusion and Outreach Chair! I am very passionate about increasing diversity, accessibility, inclusion, and belonging in our field and if I was elected to this position I would work very hard to increase all of those aspects as much as I can. I also think this position would mesh very nicely with the work I’m doing with the IPS EDI Committee and would be a great opportunity to have more collaboration between IPS and GLPA. Thank you all so much for your consideration!

Minnesota State University Moorhead Planetarium
Moorhead, MN

• Ph.D. in Science Education
• M.S. in Astrophysics
• 7 years Adjunct Faculty in Physics/Astronomy
• 11 years informal science education as Planetarium Director

• GLPA Scholarship Committee
• GLPA Nomination Committee
• Paper presentations, workshops, and panel discussions from beginning of membership

• GLPA
• International Planetarium Society
• Astronomical Society of the Pacific
• Minnesota Science Teachers Association
• Sigma Pi Sigma – Physics Honor Society
• Bell Museum Advisory Board (2020 – current)

• 2023 Minnesota Board of Trustees Outstanding Service Faculty

I am honored to have served as the Inclusion & Outreach Officer on the Great Lakes Planetarium Association’s Executive Committee for the past two years. As my first role on the Executive Committee, it has been a significant learning experience, and I’ve worked diligently to support our organization through several initiatives that I believe have been both impactful and well received.

The most notable of these initiatives has been the creation and coordination of the Conference Helpers and volunteer drivers program, first implemented at GLPA/WAC Peoria. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its value in enhancing the overall conference experience.

Additional initiatives I’ve been developing include: Planetarian Exchange Program within the region, a formalized mentorship program, and the establishment of an Inclusion & Outreach working group/team.

I’ve also collaborated with the Membership Chair to plan professional development and networking opportunities beyond the annual conference, and to conduct more comprehensive outreach to individuals who are either members but do not attend conferences/state meetings, or who are not yet members but reside within our region.

As the Director of the MSUM Planetarium, located at an undergraduate liberal arts institution, I primarily work with students. I have worked tirelessly to make the planetarium an inclusive and welcoming environment. Students often describe working at the planetarium as a safe space to be creative and celebrate their individuality. I am committed to building a team that reflects a diversity of skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. I believe inclusivity is essential to the success of both our planetarium and the individuals involved. By embracing diverse voices, we enhance the quality of our programming and the experiences of everyone we reach.

Outreach is equally vital in this role. It allows us to inspire individuals who may not traditionally see themselves as contributors to science or the planetarium field. By focusing on the strengths and interests of individuals, we can bring unique perspectives and skill sets into the planetarium. Reaching out and including all voices in the conversation is key to building a vibrant, strong, and thriving planetarium community—both within GLPA and beyond. If we aim to create programming and experiences that serve everyone, we must ensure that everyone is included.

As someone who found a sense of belonging in the planetarium community, I want to ensure others have that same opportunity. I would be honored to continue serving as the Inclusion & Outreach Officer. I am committed to building strong connections with fellow members, helping all individuals feel welcomed, respected, and included, and fostering an environment rooted in mutual respect, empathy, and inclusion. These values benefit us all, and I would be proud to work alongside others to make them a reality.