POSITION TITLE: Communications Specialist

PERSONNEL STATUS: Exempt, Full time, Regular

DEPARTMENT: Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center
& Joint Center for Earth Systems Technology (JCET)

RESPONSIBILITIES: Reporting to the Associate Director of Administration for Finance & Administration for GEST and JCET, the Communications Specialist will be responsible for the formal reports required for the Centers. This includes the Annual Reports for GEST & JCET, quarterly newsletters for each Center, and maintaining the JCET/GEST Faculty Handbook. The incumbent will provide technical editing services for faculty for proposals, peer-reviewed journal articles, and grant reports. Additional duties include ensuring the accuracy of information on the JCET & GEST websites and Blackboard, maintaining current email lists and organization chart. It is anticipated these duties will require 50-60% effort. Other duties include the review and reconciliation of the JCET/GEST operating budget, providing overall subcontract management at the Center level, and providing back-up support to the Center’s travel coordinator (40-50% effort). In addition, the incumbent will perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Experience: Requires a Master’s Degree in Writing or related area and at least two years of relevant experience, preferably with a University System of Maryland or similar public institution(s). Must have: experience working with ESL writers and the ability to handle multiple, complex tasks and prioritize ongoing and new work assignments. Must be computer literate including the use of the Internet, E-mail, and Microsoft Office Suite. Familiarity with layout software desirable. Experience with budget review and reconciliation, subcontract oversight, and travel reimbursement preferred. Strong verbal/written communication skills required.

SALARY: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience

APPLICATION: For best consideration, submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references by May 16, 2008 (resumes will be accepted until the position is filled) to:

Danita E. Eichenlaub
Associate Director of Administration & Finance
GEST/JCET
UMBC
5523 Research Park Drive, Suite 320
Baltimore, MD 21228

As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation upon hire showing your identity and that you are an U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.

UMBC IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Please visit our website at http://www.umbc.edu/hr/employment/ for additional employment opportunities

Because there are over 150 scientists in GEST, subdivisions are necessary to ensure the flow of information between management and researchers, and between the researchers themselves. In 2007, GEST reorganized its research groups to match recent organization changes at NASA. At that time, mentors were solicited for each group. The mentors provide group members with someone to contact regarding administrative matters who most likely works with them everyday.

Currently there are seven research groups:

Office of the Director and AETD
Code 100-500 Mentor: Susan Hoban

Global Modeling and Assimilation Office
Code 610.1 Mentors: Rolf Reichle, Raymond Hoff

Mesoscale Atmospheric Processes
Code 613.1 Mentor: Jeffrey Halverson

Climate and Radiation
Code 613.2 Mentor: Tamas Varnai

Atmospheric Chemistry and Dynamics
Code 613.3 Mentor: Nick Krotkov

Hydrospheric and Biospheric Sciences
Code 614.x Mentor: Mary Russ

Heliophysics Division and Solar System Division
Code 670-699 Mentors: Phillip Webb, Jeffrey Halverson

The GEST Center
GEST Vision Statement
GEST Partners
Address at UMBC
Address at NASA GSFC

The GEST Center

In 2000 the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) awarded a Cooperative Agreement to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, to create a center of excellence in the Earth sciences. Through this arrangement, UMBC and its partners - Hampton University, Howard University, Caelum Research Corporation, and Northrop Grumman Corporation - began to develop collaborative research programs in all areas of the Earth sciences. GEST exists under a five-year, renewable award with GSFC. This consortium between government, university and private industry is expected not only to provide a secure "home" for Earth scientists, but to synergistically foster new directions in research and technology.

There are now research programs in place in each of the GSFC Earth-Sun Exploration Division's laboratories and divisions, divided into Research Groups. Research scientists have been hired under GEST at UMBC, Hampton University, Howard University, and at Caelum Research Corporation. They may work at any of the GSFC locations, or at their home institution. Besides full-time research staff, GEST facilitates short-term collaborations through a visitors program, and a visiting fellows program. In addition, GEST assists with GSFC's education and outreach mission by managing four summer internship programs for promising students in the Earth and information sciences.

GEST faculty are aligned in groups that correspond with the organizational structure of NASA. Each group has one or more faculty that act as mentors for the code gorups. This organization can be clearly seen in this faculty alignment chart (1.8Mb PDF).

GEST Vision Statement

The Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology Center (GEST) is dedicated to furthering fundamental understanding of the coupled physical, chemical, and biological Earth systems and the effects of natural and anthropogenic changes upon the environment. This knowledge will improve our observations of, understanding of, and prediction capabilities for the Earth system, and will foster the development of sound environmental policy. GEST consortium institutions, led by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, will collaborate with GSFC's Earth-Sun Exploration Division to produce vital new knowledge and to attract and train the next generation of Earth scientists.

GEST Partners

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/home/

With headquarters in Greenbelt, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C., NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's vision is to "... revolutionize knowledge of the Earth and the universe though scientific discovery from space to enhance life on Earth." The Earth Sun Exploration Division provides leadership in understanding the entire Earth system and the effects of natural and anthropogenic changes on the global environment, by using space-based platforms to gain knowledge about our planet. The Earth Sun Exploration Division comprises the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (located near Columbia University in New York City), the Laboratory for Solar and Space Physics, the Laboratory for Atmospheres, and the Hydrospheric and Biospheric Sciences Laboratory (which includes the Instrumentation Sciences Branch at the Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia's Eastern Shore).

University of Maryland, Baltimore County
http://www.umbc.edu

UMBC is a young member of the University of Maryland System, but it has already become a Doctoral/Research-Extensive University in the Carnegie rankings. Located in Catonsville, Maryland, UMBC is small and personal, yet ambitious. UMBC is also home to the Joint Center for Earth Systems Technology (JCET), GEST's sister center with GSFC. In addition, GEST faculty have connections with the Physics, Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, and Geography and Environmental Systems Departments.

Hampton University
http://www.hamptonu.edu

Founded in 1868 in Hampton, Virginia to create educators and leaders of the newly freed Black population, Hampton's symbol is the emancipation oak. It soon became a center of education for Native Americans, and today is a known for its multiculturalism and comprehensive educational experience. Due in part to the university's location, Hampton's Physics Department has strong links to the research community at NASA Goddard's Wallops Flight Facility. This is the department with the closest links to GEST.

Howard University
http://www.howard.edu

Veritas et utilitas (truth and service) is Howard University's motto. Howard University is a comprehensive, research-oriented, historically Black private university providing an educational experience of exceptional quality to students of high academic potential with particular emphasis upon the provision of educational opportunities to promising Black students. Further, the University is dedicated to attracting and sustaining a cadre of faculty who are, through their teaching and research, committed to the development of distinguished and compassionate graduates and to the quest for solutions to human and social problems in the United States and throughout the world. Located in Washington, D.C., Howard was founded over 130 years ago. GEST has links with both the Physics and Chemistry departments, and the Howard observatory in Beltsville.

Caelum Research Corporation
http://www.caelum.com

Caelum Research Corporation is a dynamic technical services company located in the fast-growing I-270 Technology Corridor in Maryland. Caelum provides scientific, information technology, records management, and other support services to government and private industry clients. Its mission is to support applied science, engineering, and information technology functions and to solve complex scientific and technical challenges. Caelum has served the NASA community since its inception in 1987. Caelum not only employs GEST research staff, but it handles the administration of GEST's student internship programs and its short-term visitor programs.

Northrop Grumman Corporation
http://www.northropgrumman.com

Northrop Grumman is a company defined by one word - technology. From under the sea to outer space and into cyberspace, Northrop Grumman technologies and products are at the forefront of 21st century defense capabilities. More specifically, Northrop Grumman produces airborne radar systems and information technology for the federal government. Its workforce is approximately 1s00,000. GEST has partnered with Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector, headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. The Electronic Systems sector is a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of defense electronics and systems, including airborne radar systems, navigation systems, communications systems, space systems, marine systems, logistics systems, and automation and information systems among others. Northrop Grumman makes its airborne platforms available to GEST researchers for instrument flights, and is willing to collaborate on flight and instrumentation technology.

GEST at University of Maryland Baltimore County

Mailing Address:
GEST Center
5523 Research Park Drive, Suite 320
Baltimore, MD 21228

Telephone:
410 455 6362
Fax:
410 455 8806

Directions:
From the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (295), exit at I-195 to Catonsville and follow the signs for UMBC. As I-195 comes to an end, stay to the right and exit to the UMBC campus. At the first stop sign, take a right and proceed to the end of the road to Research Park Building. The GEST office is located on the third floor. If originating from the BWI Airport, just proceed on I-195 West as you exit the airport.

Administrative Staff Located at UMBC:
Raymond Hoff, Tom Low (half time), Mary Dawson, Danita Eichenlaub, Camilla Hyman, Cathy Manalansan, Derek Stivers, Nina von Gunten, Margo Young

GEST at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Mailing Address:
GEST Center
Mail Code 610.6
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, MD 20771

Telephone:
301 286 4403
Fax:
301 286 0574

Directions:
If you arrive from one of the DC-area airports, the best route is via the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. From BWI, head South; from Reagan-National, head out East through the city and turn North on the Parkway; from Washington-Dulles, drive to the Beltway (495) past Bethesda, Silver Spring and the first Greenbelt Road Exit, and head North on the Parkway (just one exit). From the Parkway, take the Greenbelt Road (MD-193) exit and head East along the Greenbelt Road. Heading North (from National or Dulles) this is a left turn at the traffic lights following the exit. Heading South (from BWI) you will turn left at two traffic lights. The Main Gate is about two miles East of the Parkway; you will turn left opposite a shopping mall (K-Mart and Ruby Tuesday), immediately after crossing Cipriano Rd. After the left turn, bear right into the Security Office parking lot (before entering the gate). Upon arriving at GSFC, your host will escort you from the Badge Office. GEST is in Building 22, room 170.

Administrative Staff Located at GSFC:
Tom Low (half time), Valerie Casasanto, Grace Roscoe

Who to Contact

To initiate a new research activity:
Dick Hartle, Tom Low, Danita Eichenlaub

Goddard Fellows Program:
Ray Hoff

New hires:
Tom Low

Faculty with grant questions (proposal, budget, report):
Mary Dawson, Derek Stivers, Margo Young

Task funding status:
Mary Dawson, Derek Stivers, Margo Young

Annual Report:
Amy Houghton

Technology transfer:
Steven Auvil

Faculty with travel requests or claims:
Cathy Manalansan

Faculty with payroll questions:
Camilla Hyman

Merit reviews:
Tom Low, Ray Hoff

Educational programs:
Valerie Casasanto

Short-term visitors:
Valerie Casasanto

Faculty leave:
Nina von Gunten

Faculty badge (security clearance) requests:
Grace Roscoe

Inventory control:
Jeff Quinton

Purchases over $5,000:
Cathy Manalansan

Purchases below $5,000:
Camilla Hyman

General Inquiries:
Cathy Manalansan

RESEARCH SCIENTIST POSITION

Subject to funding approval, the Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology Center (GEST) will make Research Faculty appointments at the Research Associate, Assistant Research Scientist, Associate Research Scientist, and Senior Research Scientist levels as commensurate with experience. GEST is a Cooperative Agreement between the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to collaborate in research programs in the Earth, Information, and Instrumentation sciences. GEST is a Consortium whose members include UMBC, Hampton University, Howard University, and Caelum Research Corporation. Positions will generally be located either at GSFC or at the offices of one of the consortium members. More than one candidate may be chosen for some positions. All candidates must have degrees in an appropriate physical discipline and a demonstrated research record in accordance with the specific qualifications listed for each of the following positions:

GEST 614-91-319 Research Activity – 3-D Remote Sensing of Vegetation

A post-doctoral research scientist is required for development, validation and utilization of remote sensing algorithms to retrieve 3-D structure of vegetation using space and airborne lidar and radar remote sensing. Opportunity to explore synergy and fusion of lidar, radar, and passive optical data sets. This position is funded initially for one year and can be extended for up to two additional years if additional funding becomes available. The position is located at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Selection is contingent upon obtaining Goddard security clearance and possessing appropriate visa status to meet requirements for employment.

Requires – The position requires a Ph.D. in a field related to terrestrial biospheric sciences, such as ecology, forestry, agronomy and geography with emphasis on quantitative remote sensing. Candidate should have experience and interest in the development and/or use of active and passive remote sensing algorithms to infer vegetation structure and condition as it relates to the carbon cycle and ecosystem dynamics. Experience in the use of and familiarity with canopy reflectance and forest growth models is highly desirable.

Applicants should identify the position by number on a cover letter which includes home address and visa status, if any, and submit it together with a complete curriculum vitae, including the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references, to Dr. Tom Low, Associate Director, GEST, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Suite 320 5523 Research Park Drive, Baltimore, MD 21228. Applications are requested prior to
May 21, 2008, although positions remain open until filled. GEST partners are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers.

Research Scientist Positions

GEST 610-67-229 - Ocean Modeling Development

GEST 610-67-231 - Atmospheric Data Assimilation

GEST 610-91-318 - Remote Sensing and Public Health

GEST 613-85-000 - Remote Sensing of Precipitation

GEST 613-91-317 - Impact of Aerosols on Arctic Environments

GEST 614-89-314 - MODIS Sensor Calibration

GEST 614-90-316 - Remote Sensing and Terrestrial Ecology

GEST 971-00-002 - Land Data Assimilation

GEST 614-91-319 - 3-D Remote Sensing of Vegetation

Staff Positions

Media Specialist, Science Video

Media Specialist, Education Video

Media Specialist, Interactive Science

Media Specialist, Science Visualization

Note

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Please identify the specific position (including the number) to which you are applying to ensure your application is routed properly.

GEST is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. GEST welcomes applications from minorities, women, and people with disabilities.

Note that GEST's sister center, the Joint Center for Earth Systems Technology (JCET) also posts job advertisements for open positions. See that site as well.

Subject to funding approval, the Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology Center (GEST) will make Research Faculty appointments at the Research Associate, Assistant Research Scientist, Associate Research Scientist, and Senior Research Scientist levels as commensurate with experience. GEST is a Cooperative Agreement between the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to collaborate in research programs in the Earth, Information, and Instrumentation sciences. GEST is a Consortium whose members include UMBC, Hampton University, Howard University, and Caelum Research Corporation. Positions will generally be located either at GSFC or at the offices of one of the consortium members. More than one candidate may be chosen for some positions. All candidates must have degrees in an appropriate physical discipline and a demonstrated research record in accordance with the specific qualifications listed for each of the following positions:

GEST 610-91-318 Research Activity – Remote Sensing and Public Health

Research scientist required to utilize remote sensing technology to monitor, predict, and facilitate the control of infectious disease transmission. As environmental and climatic factors have a profound role in initiating, promoting and sustaining the transmission of infectious diseases globally, the objective of the research is to develop empirical and theoretical models and techniques that can be used by public health organizations for disease surveillance and control. Applicants must be interested in understanding the details of infectious diseases transmission, and willing to interact with epidemiologists and experts in related disciplines.

Requires – The position requires a Ph.D. in Earth sciences, physics, mathematics, computer sciences, or engineering with similar emphases. Past experience with methods for extracting or deriving geophysical parameters from satellite measurement at the appropriate spatial and temporal resolutions would be very helpful. Familiarity with common geospatial and GIS techniques; statistical methods (biostatistics desirable); numerical methods; and dynamic system modeling techniques and in particular, with C, IDL, R, ArcGIS, and Matlab are definite assets. Selection is contingent upon obtaining Goddard security clearance and possessing appropriate visa status to meet requirements for employment.

Applicants should identify the position by number on a cover letter which includes home address and visa status, if any, and submit it together with a complete curriculum vitae, including the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references, to Dr. Tom Low, Associate Director, GEST, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Suite 320 5523 Research Park Drive, Baltimore, MD 21228. Applications are requested prior to April 19, 2008, although positions remain open until filled. GEST partners are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers.

Subject to funding approval, the Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology Center (GEST) will make Research Faculty appointments at the Research Associate, Assistant Research Scientist, Associate Research Scientist, and Senior Research Scientist levels as commensurate with experience. GEST is a Cooperative Agreement between the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to collaborate in research programs in the Earth, Information, and Instrumentation sciences. GEST is a Consortium whose members include UMBC, Hampton University, Howard University, and Caelum Research Corporation. Positions will generally be located either at GSFC or at the offices of one of the consortium members. More than one candidate may be chosen for some positions. All candidates must have degrees in an appropriate physical discipline and a demonstrated research record in accordance with the specific qualifications listed for each of the following positions:

GEST 613-91-317 Research Activity – Impact of Aerosols on Arctic Environments

Research scientist required to research the impact of aerosols on Arctic environments using MISR multi-angle imaging data, along with other remote sensing data sets, in situ data, aerosol transport models, and simple physical modeling, as needed. Focus is likely to include tracking wildfire smoke and urban pollution particle transports, assessing aerosol direct radiative forcing, and possibly volcanic aerosol transports and/or aerosol impact on snow surface albedo in the context of new data acquired as part of the International Polar Year.

Requires – The position requires a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Physics or related fields. Experience with physics of remote sensing and satellite data analysis is desirable, with a working knowledge of atmospheric radiative transfer. Selection is contingent upon obtaining Goddard security clearance and possessing appropriate visa status to meet requirements for employment.

Applicants should identify the position by number on a cover letter which includes home address and visa status, if any, and submit it together with a complete curriculum vitae, including the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references, to Dr. Tom Low, Associate Director, GEST, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Suite 320 5523 Research Park Drive, Baltimore, MD 21228. Applications are requested prior to April 19, 2008, although positions remain open until filled. GEST partners are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers.

Subject to funding approval, the Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology Center (GEST) will make Research Faculty appointments at the Research Associate, Assistant Research Scientist, Associate Research Scientist, and Senior Research Scientist levels as commensurate with experience. GEST is a Cooperative Agreement between the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to collaborate in research programs in the Earth, Information, and Instrumentation sciences. GEST is a Consortium whose members include UMBC, Hampton University, Howard University, and Caelum Research Corporation. Positions will generally be located either at GSFC or at the offices of one of the consortium members. More than one candidate may be chosen for some positions. All candidates must have degrees in an appropriate physical discipline and a demonstrated research record in accordance with the specific qualifications listed for each of the following positions:

GEST 614-90-316 Research Activity – Remote Sensing and Terrestrial Ecology

A post-doctoral research scientist is required to integrate satellite and ground-based data in characterizing changes in global forest cover, ecosystem disturbance, and ecosystem compositional responses to climate change. This research is part of the ongoing activities at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center dedicated to mapping vegetation dynamics at regional and continental scales using Landsat-type imagery and the LEDAPS processing system, in conjunction with other satellite observations (MODIS, GLAS), and field data. Specific activities involve characterizing deforestation and regrowth using time series Landsat and ASTER data from a variety of biomes, and conducting research to characterize high-latitude ecotone responses to climate change. The successful applicant will be expected to develop independent research activities and provide science leadership within the LEDAPS team.

Requires – The position requires a Ph.D. in Ecology, Forestry, Geography or a related field with demonstrated ability to pursue independent research. Experience with passive optical remote sensing for vegetation or land cover studies is required; experience with lidar remote sensing is desirable. Applicant needs to have knowledge of common scientific and geospatial analysis applications (eg. ENVI/IDL, MATLAB, ArcGIS, etc). Some experience with scientific programming (C, Fortran) and scientific data formats (HDF) is preferred. Selection is contingent upon obtaining Goddard security clearance and possessing appropriate visa status to meet requirements for employment.

Applicants should identify the position by number on a cover letter which includes home address and visa status, if any, and submit it together with a complete curriculum vitae, including the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references, to Dr. Tom Low, Associate Director, GEST, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Suite 320 5523 Research Park Drive, Baltimore, MD 21228. Applications are requested prior to April 19, 2008, although positions remain open until filled. GEST partners are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers.

Subject to funding approval, the Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology Center (GEST) will make Research Faculty appointments at the Research Associate, Assistant Research Scientist, Associate Research Scientist, and Senior Research Scientist levels as commensurate with experience. GEST is a Cooperative Agreement between the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to collaborate in research programs in the Earth, Information, and Instrumentation sciences. GEST is a Consortium whose members include UMBC, Hampton University, Howard University, and Caelum Research Corporation. Positions will generally be located either at GSFC or at the offices of one of the consortium members. More than one candidate may be chosen for some positions. All candidates must have degrees in an appropriate physical discipline and a demonstrated research record in accordance with the specific qualifications listed for each of the following positions:

GEST 614-89-314 Research Activity – MODIS Sensor Calibration

Research scientist required to collaborate with MODIS calibration studies to design and develop sensor calibration and characterization strategy and methodology. Independent sensor calibration and characterization will be performed using data acquired from MODIS on-board calibrators. Key sensor radiometric calibration parameters for sensor on-orbit calibration algorithms will be derived and validated using observations from on-board and ground targets.

Requires – The position requires a Ph.D. in Physical Sciences, Engineering, or related field. The applicant must have a demonstrated research record and publications in remote sensing applications. Selection is contingent upon obtaining Goddard security clearance and possessing appropriate visa status to meet requirements for employment.

Applicants should identify the position by number on a cover letter which includes home address and visa status, if any, and submit it together with a complete curriculum vitae, including the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references, to Dr. Tom Low, Associate Director, GEST, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Suite 320 5523 Research Park Drive, Baltimore, MD 21228. Applications are requested prior to April 19, 2008, although positions remain open until filled. GEST partners are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers.

Annual Report (pdf file)

7th Annual Report (covering May 11, 2006 through May 10, 2007) (4Mb PDF file)

6th Annual Report (covering May 11, 2005 through May 10, 2006) (6Mb PDF file)

5th Annual Report (covering May 11, 2004 through May 10, 2005) (11Mb PDF file)

4th Annual Report (covering May 11, 2003 through May 10, 2004) (9.3Mb PDF file)

GEST Newsletter (pdf file)

Please email information for the Newsletter to Glen Engel-Cox.

Fall 2007 (227 kb)
Spring 2007 (200 kb)
Fall 2006 (2.3 Mb)
Winter 2006 (1.2 Mb)
August 2004 (322 kb)
June 2004 (265 kb)
May 2004 (366 kb)
April 2004 (390 kb)
March 2004 (639 kb)
February 2004 (398 kb)
January 2004 (563 kb)
May-June 2003 (340 kb)
January-February 2003 (420 kb)
September-October 2002 (520 kb)
July-August 2002 (484 kb)
April-June 2002 (363 kb)
January-March 2002 (439 kb)
August-October 2001 (267 kb)
June-July 2001 (207 kb)

Note: You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view pdf files. Please go to http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html

Fundamentals of Lunar Exploration K12 Classroom Lessons

Teacher Lessons (2.9 Mb MS Word file)

Teacher Lessons (8.8 Mb PDF file)

Mentions in the News

Dr. David Lary receives recognition from the UMBC Office of Technology Development for his Neurological Algorithm Wrapper (OTD Winter 2005 newsletter [35k PDF])

Award Announcement

Award:
Second place for paper presentation in the field of Technology at the 26^th Annual UMB/UMBC Graduate Research Conference (http://www.umbc.edu/gsa/grc/) on April 23, 2004.
Recipient:
Somesh Kumar, a graduate student in Computer Science at UMBC. He works as a research assistant in the Virtual Telescopes in Education project (http://vtie.umbc.edu) under the supervision of Susan Hoban.
Project Name:
Virtual Telescopes in Education
Abstract:
Virtual Telescopes in Education (VTIE) aims to be a complete portal for teachers and students interested in astronomy. To achieve this end, we are developing and adding services for teachers as well as students. The portal aims to inspire among young astronomy students by allowing them to observe celestial objects as if they were professional astronomers. VTIE guides them through writing proposals, collecting data and ultimately reporting their results. Students can use archived data, or, in some cases, make their own observations by remotely controlling a telescope. In order for students to be able to control telescopes, teachers had to schedule appointments on telescopes through Telescopes in Education (TiE). We are, hence, developing a telescope scheduling interface that chooses the best telescope for the teacher based on the object that the student wants to observe. We are also developing a telescope operator interface to allow telescope operators to easily handle their telescope schedule. The operators will be able to register their telescope and provide information about the different instruments on the telescope. This will enable VTIE to choose the best telescope for observing a particular celestial object. The operator will be able to re-allot time slots in case of bad weather or other reasons. Additional portal functionality will be discussed.

Video: "A Marriage Made in Heaven"

Producer:
Maryland State of Mind
Date:
June 25, 2001
Description:
Overview of the GEST partnership between NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and UMBC and samples of the research conducted in the Center.
Duration:
8 min
URL:
http://www.umbc.edu/oit/newmedia/real/mind.ram

Note: You need RealPlayer to view this video. Please go to http://www.real.com/player/

DEPARTMENT:
Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center

Position is located at the Goddard Space Flight Center located in Greenbelt, Maryland.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Excellent opportunity for an individual with a computer science background and an interest in computer graphics and science. The incumbent will serve as a scientific visualizer at the Scientific Visualization Studio at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The applicant will support the Scientific Visualization Studio by visualizing Earth and Space science remote sensing data, mission results, and simulation data for specific, ongoing outreach efforts in association with the NASA Public Affairs Office. These visuals will explain NASA scientific missions and research to the public and be used by the TV and print media, educational content producers, and museums. An on-line archive of previously-created visuals can be found at http://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov. The incumbent will work as part of a team including NASA scientists, NASA TV producers, and other in-house visualizers and will be expected to independently create imagery and animations to the specifications decided on by that team. In addition, the incumbent will perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Experience: Requires a Bachelor’s degree. Must have a working knowledge of scientific visualization software, hardware, and visual techniques that turn raw data into imagery and animations. Programming knowledge to prepare data for use by certain high-end software tools such as Maya and Renderman required. The candidate will then use these tools to produce the final animation product. Training in the specific tools will be provided as necessary. An additional background in physical science or art is not a requirement, but will be considered favorably. Candidates are encouraged to submit examples of their computer graphics work with their application. Note: Selection is contingent upon obtaining Goddard security clearance.

SALARY:
Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience

APPLICATION:
For best consideration, submit a cover letter indicating position number, resume and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references by March 19, 2008 (resumes will be accepted until the position is filled) to:

Dr. Tom Low
GEST/JCET
UMBC
5523 Research Park Drive, Suite 320
Baltimore, MD 21228

As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation upon hire showing your identity and that you are an U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.

UMBC IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

DEPARTMENT:
Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center

Position is located at the Goddard Space Flight Center located in Greenbelt, Maryland.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Excellent opportunity for video producer or visual media technologist. The focus of this effort is to use video and multimedia technologies to communicate the results of NASA's science missions to the general public, the media, and to formal and informal educational institutions. The incumbent will participate in all aspects of video and new media production including planning, scripting, field and studio production, and post production editing. Activities include collaboration with science writers, data visualizers, multimedia producers and web designers and a broad range of scientific and educational media products including: web shorts/vodcasts, video news releases, satellite media tours, documentation of research activities, and support for long form documentaries. In addition, the incumbent will perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Experience: Requires a Bachelor’s degree. A passion for science storytelling and strong video production abilities are preferred. Note: Selection is contingent upon obtaining Goddard security clearance.

SALARY:
Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience

APPLICATION:
For best consideration, submit a cover letter indicating position number, resume and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references by March 19, 2008 (resumes will be accepted until the position is filled) to:

Dr. Tom Low
GEST/JCET
UMBC
5523 Research Park Drive, Suite 320
Baltimore, MD 21228

As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation upon hire showing your identity and that you are an U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.

UMBC IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

DEPARTMENT:
Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology (GEST) Center

Position is located at the Goddard Space Flight Center located in Greenbelt, Maryland.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Excellent opportunity for multimedia producer or web production designer with a passion for creating interactive content on some of the most mind-blowing science stories in the universe. The Interactive Media producer will work with educators, scientists, and science writers producers to design, produce, and distribute stimulating web content through NASA and Goddard web portals. In addition, the incumbent will perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Experience: Requires a Bachelor’s degree. Must be proficient in Flash, HTML and content management systems. Strong visual and design skills and an interest in science communication are preferred. Note: Selection is contingent upon obtaining Goddard security clearance.

SALARY:
Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience

APPLICATION:
For best consideration, submit a cover letter indicating position number, resume and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references by March 19, 2008 (resumes will be accepted until the position is filled) to:

Dr. Tom Low
GEST/JCET
UMBC
5523 Research Park Drive, Suite 320
Baltimore, MD 21228

As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation upon hire showing your identity and that you are an U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.

UMBC IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Position is located at the Goddard Space Flight Center located in Greenbelt, Maryland.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Excellent opportunity for video producer with experience/skills in producing multimedia content for formal and informal educational audiences. The focus of this activity involves working with NASA scientists, educators, and multimedia production specialists to produce/distribute NASA education content in a wide array of highly-leveraged venues including the NASA Web Portal, NASA Television, I-Tunes University, NASA’s Digital Learning Network (distance learning). In addition, the incumbent will perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Experience: Requires a Bachelor’s degree. Must have strong skills/experience in video production and new media technologies. Experience working in educational venues preferred.
Note: Selection is contingent upon obtaining Goddard security clearance.

SALARY:
Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience

APPLICATION:
For best consideration, submit a cover letter indicating position number, resume and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references by March 19, 2008 (resumes will be accepted until the position is filled) to:

Dr. Tom Low
GEST/JCET
UMBC
5523 Research Park Drive, Suite 320
Baltimore, MD 21228

As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation upon hire showing your identity and that you are an U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.

UMBC IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER