Overview
It is difficult not to want to share the joys of the Universe and scientific discoveries, because it is all so awesome. I do this in a multitude of different ways, described below. Follow me on twitter to hear more recent updates and interesting things that I am learning.
WAISSYA
The West African International Summer School for Young Astronomers (WAISSYA) is an experiential short course in astronomy for West African university students, designed and taught by a team of astronomers and science educators from West Africa and around the world, using educational research principles. Founded in 2013, the bi-annual school is designed to give West African science students the opportunity to further inspire their scientific curiosity, develop their interest in astronomy, enhance their scientific practices, and offer guidance for pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). It also provides instructors with the opportunity to exchange educational ideas between continents and further their own professional development. WAISSYA thus aims to benefit society by supporting the development of scientific leaders in West Africa, with astronomy as a gateway.
We have an international collaboration of instructors (11 institutes, 5 continents) who make multi-year commitments so we make sure what we do is aligned with goals of the community. In a recent survey of WAISSYA alumni that we conducted, fully 95% of respondents said the WAISSYA program was extremely (51%) or very (44%) beneficial for their interest and career. Alumni have gone on to do postgraduate studies in West African and other countries such as Canada, UK, USA, Sweden, Portugal. We are delighted that two alumni are back as instructors. One alumni instructor says: “Participating in WAISSYA 2013 and 2015 reignited my passion for astronomy. Seeing the sunspots through a solar telescope made astronomy real to me and made me resolve to pursue astronomy as a career.” Another alum writes simply, “WAISSYA 2017: Turning point in my life.”