Director's Message
Published in the RSAA Lunations
Vol1 Issue46 1–30 November 2023
In October I travelled to LA for the GMT founders and Board meeting. It was inspiring to learn more about this incredible project. I also took the opportunity to visit old colleagues and give a colloquium at UCLA.
Friday 27 October saw Michelle Cicolini spend her last working day at RSAA after more than a decade. The huge turnout for Michelle's farewell morning tea showed the high regard in which she is held. As I noted on the day, I have personally been enormously grateful for the support during our time working together. We wish Michelle all the best. I am now looking forward to with Cate Pickering, who has joined us. If you haven't already, please introduce yourself to Cate and make her welcome!
We have a number of achievements to recognise this month. Firstly, congratulations to the students who were recipients of annual research awards.
- Olin J Eggen Research Award: Marcie Mun, Sajay Mathew
- Joan Duffield Research Award: Karlie Noon, Callum Lynn, Peter Swanton
- Peter McGregor Research Award: Benjamin Courtney-Barrer
- Best student talk: Qianhui Chen
- Best student paper: Lyla Jung - Magnetic field draping around clumpy high-velocity clouds in the galactic halo
These awards recognise the very high standard of work being undertaken by RSAA students.
We also extend our congratulations to Anna Moore and Brian Schmidt who were elected as Fellows to the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering for their achievements at at the forefront of Australia’s renaissance in space exploration, and leadership in education and astronomy respectively.
Finally, Level-B promotion outcomes have now been announced, and it is my great pleasure to report that Stefania Barsanti, Michael Copeland and Yi Ki Ma were each promoted to level B. Congratulations to all!
Stuart Wyithe
Photo: MSO evening security guards and apprentice.
