Canadian Astronomer Profile: Dr. John Percy

John Percy

Professor
Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics
University of Toronto

Education Background:

• B.Sc. University of Toronto (Mathematics and Physics) 1962
• M.A. University of Toronto (Astronomy) 1963
• Ph.D. University of Toronto (Astronomy) 1968

"But it wasn't that simple. As an undergraduate, I dabbled in biophysics; now I teach a course on Cosmic Evolution which spans the physical and biological sciences. I spent a year at teachers' college, and a year as a high school science and math teacher; in the 40 years since then, I have been constantly involved in developing curriculum, resources, and workshops for teachers. A decade ago, I established an undergraduate science education program, to enable students to learn and participate more in this aspect of science."

Research Interests:

"I use 'variable stars' to understand the nature and evolution of stars. These stars 'speak to us' about their properties, and the processes which go on within them. Most of the stars which I study are 'pulsating variable stars' which vibrate -- often in complex ways. I am especially interested in long-term changes in stars, some of which are due to their evolution. In the last decade, I have studied
pulsating red giant stars which, until then, were not well understood. These are stars which are like the sun will become, five billion years from now, as it approaches the end of its life. Much of my research is done in collaboration with skilled amateur astronomers, especially through the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO). And I've supervised over a hundred astronomy research projects by students -- mostly undergraduates, but also outstanding senior high school students through the University of Toronto Mentorship Program."

Professional Accomplishments:

"I have been especially active in the International Astronomical Union (IAU), and have served as president of its commissions (interest groups) on Variable Stars, and on Education and Development. I've organized conferences on both these topics, and have edited the proceedings of these conferences. I enjoy working with my 'kindred spirits' from around the world. I've supported amateur astronomy
through organizations such as the AAVSO and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC). It's good to know that ordinary citizens can pursue research and education though organizations like these.

"I've also been active in science education (especially astronomy) at all levels, throughout the world. Locally, I have worked to increase and improve astronomy teaching in the schools, especially through the Science Teachers Association of Ontario (I was their Honorary President during their 1990 centennial year), and through the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, to which I am now cross-appointed. I've been active in the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, which is the most productive astronomy education organization in the world.

"My other education interests are in public awareness, understanding, and appreciation of science (check out the Royal Canadian Institute, and the Science and Technology Awareness Network), and in lifelong and later-life learning. Seniors are the most receptive audience for lectures and courses in astronomy, because they are interested, interactive, and appreciative. I also served as (voluntary) Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Ontario Science Centre, and got to 'play with all the toys'."

Why study/work in Canada?

"I came to Canada at age five, and have become a proud and loyal Canadian. I appreciate the diversity and tolerance that Canada offers, and its commitment to public health and education. It's exciting to live and work in a multicultural city like Toronto, and teach students with such a wide range of knowledge, experience, and perspective. It's also exciting to work with the education system, and with teachers who, by and large, remain enthusiastic and dedicated -- despite the many challenges of their profession. We are also fortunate to have strong public support, through grass-roots astronomy clubs and through the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, and through the work of our planetariums and science centres. There's always a demand for information about astronomy, whether from children or from seniors, so it's always a pleasure to participate in a public lecture or other
public event.

"Canadian astronomers have access to an impressive array of facilities. Although support for science research and development is not as high as in some countries, it is fairly allocated, and Canadian astronomers lead the world in research productivity per dollar of support. Canadian astronomers have worked together, as a community, to achieve this level of success. The Canadian Astronomical Society is exemplary in this respect, and also in its support for its graduate student
members, and for astronomy education and outreach."

Interested in becoming an Astronomer?

"Learn as much about astronomy as you can. Get involved: attend astronomy events such as lectures and star parties. Visit planetariums, observatories and science centres. Join an astronomy club; if there isn't one, create one! Take advantage of opportunities to teach other people about astronomy; you not only benefit them, but there is no better way to understand and enjoy a subject yourself, than to teach it. In university, take courses or a program in astronomy; it can prepare you for a wide variety of careers in astronomy -- researcher, teacher, planetarium or science centre educator, writer, information scientist or technician -- or for careers other than astronomy in case you change your mind: computing, meteorology, remote sensing, geophysics and many more. That's because an astronomy program includes a broad range of science and math courses, and gives you a broad range of skills. Astronomy is an excellent preparation for school teaching, especially now that astronomy is part of the school science curriculum. And the health of all science depends on the quality of science and math teaching in the schools. Despite what the media imply, there is a wide range of science careers other than research and invention. We need scientists in every walk of life -- even among politicians! And remember that astronomy is one of the few subjects that you can continue as a serious and satisfying hobby, no matter what career you pursue."

John Percy is one of the many professors taking part in the CASCA-Westar Lectureship Series which brings Canadian astronomers to communities like yours!

Related Links:

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

   

  compiled by the CASCA education Webteam, (2008)