I have been a continuous member of the RASC, Toronto Centre, since being elected as a life member 1979 December 9.

I have worked to promote the invaluable programs of the organization by presenting astronomy programming in provincial parks, high schools, and public libraries for the last 16 years (Port Burwell, Sibbald Point, Earl Rowe, Algonquin, and others). Outreach is no longer “having long line-ups waiting to peek through an eyepiece”: I use astro-video equipment (Mallincam and modified Samsung security cameras) and show the wonders of our solar system and the deep-sky objects projected live and in colour on large screens, while telling my audience what they are seeing.

I have been working continuously with the Educational team of the Toronto Centre for the last 8 years doing public outreach for astronomy within the geographic area north of Toronto. I also have been working extensively with a number of committees with non-profit arts organizations such as Ad Astra (a science-fiction and fantasy literary convention), including chairing the Convention Committee for two years and sitting on the organization's Board of Directors. This entailed working extensively with an all volunteer organization in ensuring the successful functioning of all facets of the longest-running, fan-run convention in the Province of Ontario (currently in its 32nd year). I crafted the revised Constitution and By-laws of Ad Astra and am currently working to do the same for another organization seeking to obtain non-profit, charitable status next year.

I continue to provide the astronomy outreach and education programs at Ad Astra and other conventions in Toronto.

Insofar as other relevant experience is concerned, I have an extensive background in computer and network security, having worked as a security professional in both the public and private sectors. This provides me with a broad based knowledge of almost all aspects of Information Technology as well as privacy, both of which will be very applicable to the RASC as it moves to use all available social media communications mechanisms.

My personal vision for the future of the organization is to create greater linkages with educational institutions, especially at the junior and high schools levels. With the decreasing emphasis on the sciences in the educational system across Canada, the RASC can provide significant assistance in creating modules and making them available to educators across this country. Further, much of what is available to Canadian educators is based on content originating externally in the United States and does not recognize the contributions made by Canadians to astronomy, in the past and currently. This gap must be addressed and I see a role for the RASC to play in doing so.

There is an opportunity for the RASC governing body to play in fostering a move to new ways of dealing with light pollution and using new video technologies to bring astronomy education to life. A perfect example is the privately funded, amateur operated, Night Skies Network (https://www.nightskiesnetwork.com) which broadcasts live and in colour globally. Supporting such educational mechanisms aligns perfectly with the stated goals of the RASC.

If you would like to contact this candidate please go to rasc.ca/contact/elections/candidate3.