Connie Walker
Associate Scientist; Senior Science Education Specialist
Contact Information
Phone: 520-318-8535
E-mail:
Connie Walker was trained as an astronomer and by trade is an associate scientist in the Education and Public Outreach group at the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) in Tucson, Arizona. The best of astronomy and education are combined in managing outreach programs like ASTRO-Chile, GLOBE at Night, the “A-RBSE” solar research program for teachers and Hands-on Optics. In doing so, she conducts professional development for educators, develops curricula and kits for informal and formal science education programs and convenes conference sessions and workshops on hands-on science and research for students and teachers. In the last year and half she has been chairing both the U.S. and the global working groups on dark skies awareness for the U.N.-approved International Year of Astronomy during 2009. (See www.darkskiesawareness.org.) Her research interests span from characterizing the magnetic fields of sunspots to characterizing star formation in the centers of galaxies at different epochs. Her hobbies include enjoying her kids, hiking, music, and “singing, dancing and eating Greek”. Like a wide-eyed child gazing in awe at the stars above, she looks forward to the challenges and rewards astronomy education provides.
Interview in Explore Optics magazine. [201 KB jpg]
Connie Walker is a Senior Science Education Specialist in the NOAO Office of Education and Public Outreach.
