Marshall Space Flight Center

+ Visit NASA.gov

NASA Academy 2005
Huntsville, Al

Michelle Hartwell

University of Wyoming
Laramie, Wyoming
Astrophysics
Bachelor of Science, 2005


---

NASA Academy Research Project:
“Construction of a Swift Data Archive and Development and Implementation of Swift Gamma Ray Burst Analysis Tools”
Principal Investigator: Sandy Patel

Academic and Research Experience
• College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls, Idaho 2000-2002:
Associate of Science – Physics
• University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 2002-2005:
Bachelor of Science – Astrophysics

Work Experience
• College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls, Idaho 2000-2002:
Planetarium Assistant – Introduced regular planetarium shows utilizing “Digistar” technology; Assisted with production of locally produced shows; Operated telescopes at monthly “star parties”.
• University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 2002-2005
Planetarium Assistant – presented regular planetarium shows. Served as Interim Director – Jan-May 2005, responsible for all planetarium shows and operations

Memberships and Activities
• Phi Theta Kappa (National Scholastic Honorary)
• Magic Valley Symphony
• National Society for Collegiate Scholars (National Scholastic Honorary)
• Sigma Pi Sigma (Society for Physics Students)
• University of Wyoming Symphony
• Pi Beta Phi Sorority
• Magic Valley Astronomical Society


Skills and Certifications
• Computer Skills: Super mongo, UNIX, MAXIM DL, LINUX, IRAF, MATLAB
• 4th Degree Black Belt – Tae Kwon Do (2003 National Champion)
• CPR and First Aid Certifications

Honors and Awards • Dean’s List 2000- 2005
• Honors Convocation –School of Arts and Sciences – U. of Wyoming
• Congressional Intern – U.S. House of Representatives 2001

Hobbies and Interests
Stargazing, piano, violin, TaeKwonDo, Judo, dance

Personal Statement
“It really does have rings!”, I exclaimed when I first viewed the planet Saturn through one of the Hansen Planetarium’s telescopes. From the early age of eight, I began a “love affair” with astronomy, and a life-long quest to observe and to better understand the heavens.

It has been my dream to one day work for NASA or at a research grade observatory, and I feel fortunate, indeed, to have been selected as part of this year’s program! I bring to the Academy knowledge of the nighttime sky, familiarity with various types and sizes of telescopes and their operation, several years of experience working in public planetariums and observatories, and a sincere desire to learn!