LIGHT & INSPIRING: For Astronomy Educators (where a focus is radio astronomy) this presenter brings an inspiring educator’s story to life- from the earliest days of radio astronomy. Grote Reber, creator of the very first parabolic RT, built in his backyard, had a neighbor who was advancing in his own scientific career at the very same time: Edwin Hubble. Not only did they share an educational foundation at the same school, Mr. Hubble’s 7th grade teacher was Harriet Grote – Mr. Reber’s mother! Discover how an unknown teacher helped lay the foundation to a science you all have all chosen. The presentation includes an historian who had direct correspondence w/ Mr. Reber near the end of his career. (His original structure now resides at the museum in Green Bank, West Virginia)

Biography:

A former science teacher with degrees from Northwestern University and Wheaton College, I have continued with my passion in the subject, giving talks at schools, churches and retirement communities over the years. In my business career with a publisher and producer of educational materials, I created multiple hands-on science kits and aids for both elementary and middle school students. While previously contributing freelance for a student-focused periodical, I am now preparing a new non-fiction book focused on newly discovered aspects of human engagement with solar eclipses.
Not only do I live in the town at the center of my talk (Wheaton IL), but I am related to its most famous resident- Edwin Hubble, (a middle school here now bears his