Candidate Statement: Rica Sirbaugh French

Nominated Office: Nominating Committee

Affiliation: MiraCosta College

Position/title: Professor of Astronomy

PhD institution: n/a

Areas of scientific interest:

  • astronomy education research
  • astronomy education and outreach
  • faculty professional development
  • star clusters
  • modeling stellar evolution
  • archaeoastronomy
  • history of astronomy

AAS positions:

  • Astronomy Education Board (2012-present)
  • Career Panelist: Career Paths (2012)
  • Columnist, Spark: The AAS Education Newsletter (2009-present)
  • Workshop Presenter: CAE Teaching Excellence Workshops (2008-present)
  • IYA 2009 Working Group for Research Experiences for Students, Teachers, and Citizen Scientists (2008-2009)
  • Chambliss Award Judge (2008)
  • Society Member (1995-present)

Other relevant positions and experience:

  • Board of Directors, North County Higher Education Alliance (San Diego County: 2011-present)
  • Coordinator, Professional Development Programs (MiraCosta College: 2011-present)
  • Coordinator, State of California Flexible Calendar Program (MiraCosta College: 2011-present)
  • Coordinator, SoCal Regional Teaching Exchange (Center for Astronomy Education [CAE]: 2010-present)
  • Fellow, Collaboration of Astronomy Teaching Scholars (CAE/CATS: 2008-present)
  • Member, California Science Teachers’ Association (2008-10)
  • Member, Council on Undergraduate Research (2007-08)
  • Member, AAAS (2005-10)
  • Program Director for Astronomy, MiraCosta College (2004-present)
  • Member, AAPT (2001-present)
  • Member, ASP (1995-present)

Candidate Statement: It would be an honor to serve on the Nominating Committee and work together to secure dedicated candidates for our Society's leadership positions. I welcome the charge of seeking additional dynamic and innovative individuals, especially those with the time, energy, and willingness to enthusiastically advocate for and protect the positions and ideals we hold dear.