Former local Emma Barnett returning home to educate us on astronomy.
Deniliquin has a unique vantage point when it comes to star gazing and all things astronomy.
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And its one that former local Emma Barnett wants more locals to explore.
Emma will be in Deniliquin this week in her role as the Victorian Square Space Science Education Centre astronomy enrichment programs coordinator.
She will host an Astronomy Night presentation at Deniliquin High School tomorrow evening, which is open to the public.
She will also spend time with Year 7 students this Friday, delivering the popular interactive water rockets program.
Emma has also been given the honour of delivering a telescope to Deni High, donated by ASTRO 3D (The ARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3 Dimensions).
A former employee of ASTRO 3D, Emma now collaborates with the company to deliver her programs and will showcase how it is used.
Emma Barnett conducting her water rocket program with students.
Emma delivers the nationwide STARS program (Scientists Taking Astronomy to Regional Schools) on a voluntary basis, and said she is excited to head back home and help deliver the program at her old school.
The program is supported by Australian Government grants, and delivered by research scientists and PhD students in astronomy and astrophysics.
Emma is currently studying a Masters degree in science at Melbourne University, majoring in physics and with a focus on indigenous astronomy education.
“I’m studying physics education because I want to help improve the equity of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in Australia, and that starts with the next generation,” she said.
In addition to her education role and her studies, Emma is developing an Indigenous Astrology Education Program to be rolled out through a slow and steady process.
Helping her in the journey is a Women In Science Graduate Scholarship and funding from the Indigenous Astronomy Charity.
Victorian schools will be the first to benefit from the program, but Emma hopes it will roll out to all rural and remote locations too.
The Astronomy Night with Emma will be held in Deni High’s Multi Purpose Centre hall from 6pm tomorrow.
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