Dr. Rapson has over 15 years of experience teaching science and astronomy to people of all ages. She has worked in both academia and science museums, and enjoys sharing her love of astronomy with her local community.
EDUCATION
Ph.D. in Astrophysical Sciences and Technology, Rochester Institute of Technology August 2015
Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astronomy, University of Rochester May 2010
EMPLOYMENT AND TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Assistant Professor – SUNY Oneonta, Oneonta, NY August 2020 – Present
- Develop course content and teach all levels of undergraduate physics and astronomy classes.
- Operate the on-campus planetarium (Digitstar 6 system) and present shows for students, staff and the general public.
- Operate telescopes and equipment at the SUNY Oneonta Observatory, including a 1-meter research-grade telescope and conduct observational astronomy research with students.
- Facilitated upgrades to various telescopes and equipment at the SUNY Oneonta Observatory.
- Mentor students involved in research projects that utilize the on-campus planetarium and observatory facilities.
- Conduct media interviews about astronomical events and participate in STEM public outreach programs through the A.J. Read Science Discovery Center.
Chief Astronomer – Dudley Observatory at miSci, Schenectady, NY August 2015 – August 2020
- Manage a non-profit organization that reaches over 12,000 people annually.
- Develop, teach and oversee astronomy public education and outreach programs: 250+ individual programs/year.
- Programs include: digital and live planetarium shows with a GOTO projector, hands-on programs for K-12 children, scout programs, lectures for adults, stargazing at observatory open houses, operating the Starlab portable planetarium, internships for middle and high-school students.
- Project manager for the construction and installation of the roll-top roof observatory and 14 inch computerized telescope.
- Manage the planetarium and observatory facility, equipment and staff. Conduct staff training and facility maintenance.
- Participate in strategic planning, create program and departmental budgets, and conduct educational program assessments.
- Write grants to support educational programming, solicit donations from the community and connect with schools and community leaders to create new partnerships.
- Interact with the media to promote astronomy including live TV and radio interviews, press releases, and written articles.
K-12 Online Program Instructor September 2020 – Present
- Develop and teach hour-long astronomy lessons for K-12 students in a virtual format through Streamable Learning and Field Trip Zoom online learning platforms.
Adjunct Faculty August 2014 – January 2022
- Develop course content and teach astronomy classes at RIT, RPI, Siena College, and SUNY Schenectady (see teaching page for details).
Planetarium Technician- RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium, Rochester, NY June 2013- July 2015
- Operate and provide technical support for star shows, large screen films and laser shows.
- Create educational verbal and digital program content for star shows.
