What are the fundamentals of scientific knowledge in astronomy? Who figured them out and when? Who gets credit for astronomical discoveries and ideas? We’ll review some of the development of astronomical understanding and applications, taking a closer look at perspectives and contributions of civilizations outside Europe. Additionally, we’ll look at some demographic trends in participation in Astronomy, Space Science and related fields to emphasize the continuing need to work for equity and diversity in scientific education and development.
Professor Lovell earned her Bachelor of Arts in Physics-Astronomy from Agnes Scott College in 1990, and a PhD in Astronomy from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1999. She’s been teaching astronomy & physics on the Agnes Scott Faculty for 21 years, and leading academic study trips with students focused on both domestic and international destinations. She has also served as a visiting scientist at Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, the Green Bank Observatory in West Virginia, and at Instituto Nacional de Astrofísica Óptica y Electrónica (INAOE) in Puebla, Mexico. Her research specialty is the study of the production and dynamics of gases in comet atmospheres, as well as thermal emissions from asteroids. Recently, she’s been a Faculty Fellow with the Gay Johnson McDougall Center for Global Diversity and Inclusion, and is continues to be involved in initiatives to diversify participation in STEM.
