Canadian Astronomer Profile: Dr. Jo-Anne Brown

Jo-Anne Brown

Assistant Professor
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary

Dr. Brown sitting on the tracks of the synthesis array at DRAO with
the 26m antenna, the 22MHz array and the main builiding in the
background.

Education Background:

• B.Sc. (Honours in Physics), University of Alberta 1991
• M.Sc. (Electrical Engineering), Queen's University 1993
• Hardware Designer, Nortel Networks (Ottawa) 1993-1996
• Ph.D. (Astrophysics), University of Calgary 2002
• Alberta Ingenuity Research Associate, University of Calgary 2002-2004,2006
• Assistant Professor, University of Calgary 2006-present

Awards:

• 1991 Dean's Silver Medal in Science (UofA)
• 1991,1996 NSERC PGSA&B (National)
• 1998,1999 Ralph Steinhauer Award of Distinction (Provincial)
• 2004 NSERC PDF (National; declined for faculty position)
• 2004 Plaskett Medal of CASCA/RASC (National)

Research Interests:

"I am currently studying the structure of the Galactic magnetic field, with a long-term goal of developing a self-consistent model of the Galactic magnetic field and its relationship with other components of the interstellar medium.

"When I started my Ph.D., my supervisor suggested I do something with 'polarisation data'. The Canadian Galactic Plane Survey (which uses the Synthesis Array at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory near Penticton, British Columbia) was in its infancy, and very few projects had been proposed with the polarisation data products of the survey. After some literature review, I decided to explore the Galactic magnetic field and have been hooked ever since.

"At the time, very little was known about the Galactic magnetic field. In fact, magnetic fields were often used as the "scapegoats" for unexplained phenomena in data. Now, "cosmic magnetism" is listed as one of the key science drivers for the international Square Kilometer Array (SKA) project. While we know more than we did about the structure of the magnetic field, we still have much to learn. Determining the structure of the Galactic magnetic field is the first step to discovering its origin and understanding the role of magnetic fields in galactic dynamics and evolution."

Why study/work in Canada?

"The place you choose to do your degree(s) should have a good academic reputation as well as a living environment that suites your lifestyle. If you don't enjoy where you live, it will be hard to enjoy your academic pursuits. Canada has many reputable institutions situated in a wide variety centers ranging from purely urban to almost rural, from oceanside to mountain views - and they are all in one country. So take your pick!"

Interested in becoming an Astronomer?

"When I was in high school, I decided I wanted to be an astrophysicist - not that I really knew what that was, but it sounded cool. When I attended my 10-year high school reunion, I was just getting ready to do a Ph.D. in Engineering. One of my former classmates asked me what happened to my dream of becoming an astronomer? I couldn't think of an answer, and after a month of studying as an engineer, I switched back into astrophysics, and haven't looked back.

"My advice to anyone thinking of becoming an astronomer would be to work hard, remember to play a little, and pay attention to your dreams."

Related Links:

• Astronomy as a career
• Other Canadian Astronomer Profiles
• Notable Canadian Astronomers

   

  compiled by the CASCA education Webteam, (2008)