To combat restrictive perceptions and promote inclusiveness, we are developing a set of short films showcasing the work of selected STEM professionals, focusing on dynamic members of underrepresented groups in astronomy and astronomy-related fields. Our first DVD highlights individuals involved in radio astronomy who have inspired us during our travels in New Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM):
Highlighting the Achievements of Diverse Individuals

A museum director's parent had access to only a third-grade education. One engineer attended a two-year college, while a second one holds a master's degree in electrical engineering. Another young woman became the first female PhD radio astronomer in Puerto Rico. What do these individuals, with their diverse life experiences, have in common? They all play a significant role in the success of modern radio astronomy.

This series of short films focuses on the activities, the challenges, and the dreams of scientists, engineers, and technical staff members at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), the University of Puerto Rico, and Arecibo Observatory. Join us as we travel to meet them at the Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, and then in Puerto Rico as we ascend 450 feet to the observing platform above the largest radio telescope in the world!

All films are accompanied by discussion guides, for use with students in classroom settings and for outreach events.

1. Show Introduction to the GEAS Film Series

   Introduction to the GEAS Film Series

   Nicole Vogt, associate professor of astronomy at New Mexico State University, discusses the film series and its goal, to celebrate the accomplishments of diverse individuals in astronomy-related STEM careers.

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2. Show Observing the Universe, and Tracking the Bits

   Observing the Universe, and Tracking the Bits

   How Many Astronomers and Engineers Does it Take to Build a Telescope Array? Part I: You'll find their fingerprints on disk drives and circuit boards all the way from Chile to Japan, and everywhere in between. Juan Cordova and Paula Metzner work at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) in Socorro, New Mexico. [Discussion Guide]

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3. Show Engineering a Telescope Array

   Engineering a Telescope Array

   How Many Astronomers and Engineers Does it Take to Build a Telescope Array? Part II: Eric Chavez is not your typical electronics engineer. Travel with him by motorcycle to the Very Large Array (VLA) on the Plains of San Agustin near Socorro, New Mexico. The views are stunning from the top of Antenna 25. [Discussion Guide]

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4. Show Radio Astronomy in Puerto Rico

   Radio Astronomy in Puerto Rico

   An Equatorial View of the Heavens Above: They speculate on the origins of the mysterious high-velocity clouds of hydrogen gas found in the heavens above. Mayra Lebrón Santos and Carmen Pantoja are radio astronomers at the University of Puerto Rico and conduct research at Arecibo Observatory. [Discussion Guide]

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5. Show Astronomy and Outreach at Arecibo Observatory

   Astronomy and Outreach at Arecibo Observatory

   Science and Technology: A Dynamic Future for Puerto Rico: His goal is for every school child on the island of Puerto Rico to visit the observatory – and for some of them to join the next generation of scientists and engineers at the largest radio telescope in the world. Héctor Camacho is the director of the visitor center at Arecibo Observatory and a former telescope engineer. [Discussion Guide]

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Touring the Universe: Young Astronomers Unite!

Two short films for children introduce the counting numbers and the letters of alphabet, using engaging objects and individuals drawn from the history of the Universe.

Both films are accompanied by discussion guides, to provide background information for parents and children who wish to learn more about the astronomical topics discussed.

1. Astronomy Counts!

   Count with us from zero to fourteen, and explore the fourteen billions years of our own Universe. [Discussion Guide]

2. An Astronomy Alphabet

   Learn the 26 letters of the alphabet as we discuss 26 fun concepts in astronomy. [Discussion Guide]

Our film crew is drawn from graduates of the New Mexico State University (NMSU) Creative Media Institute. We collaborate with members of the NMSU department of Languages and Linguistics to provide subtitles to our films in multiple dialects of Spanish. Los Angeles-based modern composer Chris Ryan is scoring several of our films, and we also draw on the electronica of composer Brian Elyo (mobdividual). We welcome collaboration with groups who share our goal of inclusion and who can support a technical or artistic aspect of the program!

You can always find our latest films here, as soon as they become public. (This online archive includes our laboratory exercise video tutorials as well as our outreach films.) To obtain more information about our educational film series, purchase a copy of our first DVD, or to discuss its use in an educational setting, please contact us.