Christopher Palma

Teaching Professor
Headshot picture of Professor Palma
Christopher
Palma
He/Him/His
Teaching Professor
Department Affiliations
Interests
science pedagogy, educational research in astronomy, K-12 teacher professional development, Galactic structure, stellar populations
Address
Phone
814-863-0427
Website
Personal Site
  • Associate Department Head for Outreach
  • Teaching Professor
  • Interim Lead Advisor

 

  • B.S. Astronomy and Astrophysics, Penn State 1994
  • B.S. Physics, Penn State 1994
  • M.A. Astronomy, University of Virginia 1997
  • Ph.D. Astronomy, University of Virginia 2001

 

My work in Astronomy & Astrophysics:

  • Teach Astro 150, Sustainability in Astronomy: Preserving Dark and Quiet Skies, Astro 191, Introduction to Astrophysics, and Astro 401, Fundamentals of Planetary Science & Astronomy
  • Co-teach Sci Ed / Astro 116, Introduction to Astronomy for Educators
  • Serve on the teaching mentoring and evaluation committee and the development & alumni relations committee
  • Mentor graduate students interested in discussing careers, particularly in outreach or as a primarily teaching-focused faculty member
  • Academic advisor for all undergraduate majors in the ASTRO or PASTR degree programs

 

As a recent project, I have been trying to document the early history and creation of the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics at Penn State along with my collaborator, emeritus faculty member Prof. Richard Wade.