Graduate Research Assistant
Georgia State University
Georgia State University owns and operates the Hard Labor Creek Observatory in Rutledge, Georgia, about 50 miles east of Atlanta. The observatory hosts free public open nights monthly between March and October, and I have had the opportunity to act as a graduate student volunteer at these events and help answer any questions the public may have.
The department hosts small-scale observing events on the roof of an on-campus building, intended to provide students in introductory astronomy courses with the opportunity to actually see the objects they learn about in their classes. I have had the opportunity to participate in these events and help the students learn how to operate and successfully observe astronomical objects using amateur-grade telescopes.
I served as the vice-president of the Penn State chapter of the Society of Physics Students for the 2023-2024 academic year. I was responsible for organizing events such as weekly meetings, research talks, fundraisers, and club outings. I also coordinated with the Physics and Astronomy departments to enable a chain of communication between undergraduates and faculty and advocated for undergraduate representation and welfare in daily departmental activities