Published: February 8, 2024
Ms. Rydalch writes:
I've had students go on to do astronomy related things because of their experiences with NITARP.
- A former NITARP student has spearheaded community star parties while serving a church mission in New York state. She loves the opportunity to share her knowledge of young stellar objects that she gained while working on a NITARP project with the community.
- A former NITARP student was hired at her college's observatory because of the background and experience she gained while participating in NITARP. The job was highly sought after by dozens of applicants, but because of her NITARP skills, she was hired immediately.
As for me:
- Because of NITARP and its network of educators and information, I had the confidence to seek other opportunities in the astronomy community. I received a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant and attended the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) spectroscopy workshop in Somerville, MA in the fall of 2021.
- Additionally, I was selected to participate in the InStAR Research Seminar where educators learn astrometry and submit a paper to the Journal of Double Stars. Educators then conduct research and co-write papers with their students. I have now been a co-author of two published papers and am working on a third:
- Morgan, D., Amya, A., Stringham, B. (2022, Oct). New Observation and Physical Nature of Ternary Star WDS 06009-2100 BC. Journal of Double Star Observations.
- Harrington, A., Jones, M., Lambert, H., McFarlane, J., McFarlane, P., & Morgan, D. S. (2022, April). The Separation and Position Angle of WDS 07343-0313 HJ 56. Journal of Double Star Observations.
Oh, and I got married, so my name changed (from Morgan to Rydalch) and I now teach at Silver Summit Academy in Park City.
NITARP was such an incredible experience and has been one of the highlights of my teaching career. It has helped launch so many valuable experiences for me and my students.