Chelen Johnson
To me what stood out [at my first AAS] was the wide variety of work – from characterization of the structure of the Milky Way (more of a challenge than I ever knew!) to the search for and characterization of exoplanets to the understanding of how quasar evolution relates to the origins of the Universe.
I've enjoyed working with NITARP teachers and seeing just how talented they are and how passionate they are about what they teach and about their kids. They want to learn as much as they can here so that they can go and make their classrooms better.
Real astronomy involves being able to problem solve and think critically, apply process skills, and communicate effectively.