ACADEMIA

Brad Armosky to lead education and outreach program -- The Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) at The University of Texas at Austin today announced that Brad Armosky has joined the organization as the Education and Outreach (EO) Coordinator in the Development and External Relations group. He officially started in the position on June 5, 2006. “Advanced computing is exciting,” Armosky said, “because it transforms our everyday lives in areas like transportation, weather and climate forecasting, health and entertainment. Scientists and researchers need TACC’s computing ‘power tools’ to explore beyond the physical world and to help them understand the results. Students who understand and apply advanced computing early on can use the skills to become engineers, scientists, nanotechnology specialists, economists, artists – people who can change the world, or show us new ones.” Brad comes to TACC with extensive experience in teaching, research, and science education, and will be responsible for developing and driving TACC’s education and outreach strategy. His primary goal is to engage students, educators, researchers and the general public in programs that will increase their understanding of the impact advanced computing has on society and to teach them how to use the resources for education and scientific research. To this end, Brad will: • create awareness about the impact of advanced computing technologies in daily life; • introduce new people, especially from under-represented groups, to careers in developing or using advanced computing technologies; and • increase the adoption of advanced computing in the traditional science and engineering communities and in new communities such as education, social sciences or industry. TACC Director Jay Boisseau, said, “Advanced computing technologies are required to address many of the most important problems in science and society, but even more important is that people enter advanced computing fields and develop the skills to use these technologies.” “Increasing diversity and overall participation are crucial for meeting these challenges. This begins with education and outreach activities that not only increase awareness, but excite, inspire and prepare people to pursue careers in advanced computing.” Marcia Inger, assistant director of development and external relations, said Brad is a forward thinking, creative program developer with the ability to take an idea from inception to completion using a wide range of technologies and skills. “His hands-on approach to developing programs that both excite and motivate people and his passion for science and teaching make him an ideal fit for this role.” Prior to joining TACC, Armosky spent 10 years at the McDonald Observatory where he served the last five as the Science Education Program Coordinator. While at the observatory, he successfully developed and facilitated professional development workshops for teachers; launched a Student Field Experience program; and helped develop the “Decoding Starlight” exhibit and solar spectrum projector, a combined telescope and spectrograph that examines the sun by collecting and analyzing sunlight. In addition, Brad produced relevant lesson plans and activities to enhance K-12 science and mathematics with funding he obtained from the National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and The University of Texas Division of Instructional Innovation and Assessment. Armosky is actively involved in the Science Teachers Association of Texas and the Texas Association of Environmental Educators. He earned his master’s degree in science education and his bachelor’s degree in astronomy from The University of Texas at Austin.