Connie Walker (astronomer)

Connie Walker (b. 1957) is an American astronomer and senior employee of the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO).[1] She earned her Bachelor's degree in Physics and Astronomy from Smith College, her Master's degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, and her Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Arizona.[2] She was advised by Robert N. Martin and her dissertation's title from 1991 was "A submillimeter-millimeterwave study of the molecular gas in the nuclear regions of three nearby starburst galaxies."[3] She works in the NOAO's Research Based Science Education department, helping teachers develop curricula to help children learn about Astronomy. She is the director of both GLOBE at Night[4] and Project Astro, and is a member of the board of directors of the International Dark Sky Association and the Astronomical Society of the Pacific.[5] She was also chair of the International Year of Astronomy Dark Skies Awareness project,[6] and continues to chair the dark skies awareness programs of Global Astronomy Month. Walker also serves on commission 50 of the International Astronomical Union.

For other uses, see Connie Walker (disambiguation).
Connie Walker
Born1957
Alma materSmith College; University of Massachusetts; University of Arizona
AwardsHoag-Robinson award (2011)
Scientific career
FieldsAstronomy
InstitutionsNational Optical Astronomy Observatory
ThesisA submillimeter-millimeterwave study of the molecular gas in the nuclear regions of three nearby starburst galaxies. (1991)
Doctoral advisorRobert N. Martin

Walker is very active in outreach and education about astronomy and light pollution. She has worked at NOAO since 2001.

Walker was honored by having an asteroid, 29292 Conniewalker, named after her.[7]

References
  1. "Connie Walker: Associate Scientist; Senior Science Education Specialist". National Optical Astronomy Observatory. Archived from the original on 2017-08-07. Retrieved 2009-12-03.
  2. "Board of Directors". International Dark Sky Association. 20 May 2023. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  3. Walker, Constance Elaine (1991). "A submillimeter-millimeterwave study of the molecular gas in the nuclear regions of three nearby starburst galaxies". {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  4. "Connie Walker". National Optical Astronomy Observatory. Archived from the original on 7 August 2017. Retrieved 28 February 2014.
  5. "IDA 2014 Board of Directors". International Dark Sky Association. Retrieved 28 February 2014.
  6. "TAEM interview with Dr. Constance Walker of the National Optical Astronomy Observatory in Tucson". The Arts and Entertainment Magazine. March 2014. Retrieved 28 February 2014.
  7. Schmadel, Lutz D. (2007). "(29292) Conniewalker [2.35, 0.20, 25.6]". Dictionary of Minor Planet Names – (29292) Conniewalker [2.35, 0.20, 25.6]. Springer Berlin Heidelberg. p. 194. doi:10.1007/978-3-540-34361-5_2276. ISBN 978-3-540-00238-3.


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