GeminiFocus 2016 Year in Review | Page 75

Figure 4 . Gemini Observatory , Cerro Tololo Inter- American Observatory , and Las Campañas Observatory professionals made up the Career Panel speakers . The feature continues as one of the most popular activities in the annual Viaje al Universo programming . were visited by 21 professionals from many Chilean observatories , including 14 Gemini Staff .
These presentations covered a widerange of topics from technical work ( such as engineering and instrument design ) to scientific research — including breakthroughs based on observations from Chile .
Fernanda Urrutia , an outreach astronomer at Gemini South who offered a presentation during Viaje , said , “ I was delighted with the talk I offered about the Solar System at the public school San Martin de Porres , as I got very positive feedback from the 10-yearold students . I realized that they came away with an understanding of basic concepts that they didn ’ t know before my presentation . That is something encouraging !”
The Viaje program ended with its popular Career Panel , featuring helpful insights on how students can pursue a career in astronomy or a related STEM field . Norma Isla , a professor at Christ School in La Serena , commented , “... the opportunity to share with top-level scientists is a huge boost for my
students . In addition , the little ones had a lot of fun drawing constellations with stars sprinkled on cookies that they happily ate later !” For more information about Viaje al Universo activities please visit this site .
Manuel Paredes is the Communications Coordinator at Gemini South . He can be reached at : mparedes @ gemini . edu
Figure 5 . Information Systems Engineer Eduardo Toro chatting with students after the panel event about careers in astronomy .
January 2017 | 2016 Year in Review GeminiFocus
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