Regional astrophysicist holds ‘stellar’ workshop

CNS): A regional expert was in Cayman recently for a teacher’s workshop on astronomy teaching and to enthuse local kids about her subject. Dr Shirin Haque from the University of the West Indies Trinidad who is the only astrophysicist in the Caribbean was the key note speaker at the Galileo Teacher Training Programme, organised by Dr Bill Hrudey, the man behind the UCCI reach for the stars project. “Science is an academic area that is too often neglected,” said Dr Hrudey. “I think that young students thirst for the opportunity to learn more and, Dr Haque's visit to the schools certainly confirms this given the enthusiasm they showed.”

Dr Haque is the recipient of numerous teaching awards and represents the International Astronomical Union in the Caribbean.  Members of the Cayman Islands Astronomical Society also participated in the workshop.  She visited 5 schools to speak to and inspire students on the merits of science and efforts are underway to have her return later in the year when a Science Week event is being planned as part of the UCCI Observatory programme.

Dr Haque was very impressed with the observatory as well as the telescope, noting that it has remarkablepotential for astronomical work, public awareness of astronomy and serves to encourage young students to discover the world of science and discovery.