Speakers

Prison Fellowship International 

Dr Tucker is currently a Fellow at the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Mt. Stromlo Observatory at the Australian National University.

'I have my hand in a variety of things, but the majority of my work involves Exploding stars called Supernova and Cosmology, the study of the Universe. A certain type of supernova, called a type Ia, can be used as a standard candle that can trace our Universe's history.

For this work, I am involved with a number of supernova surveys. I have been working on the ESSENCE project, the CFA Supernova Search, The Carnegie Supernova Project and also using Mt. Stromlo's new SkyMapper telescope. I am one of the leads of the Kepler Extra-Galactic Survey, KEGS  a Kepler Space Telescope Key Program, to understand why and how stars blow. I am leading a project to build a network of ultraviolet telescopes in the upper atmosphere which are being built at Mt. Stromlo.

I originally hail from Sacramento, California, USA. I did my undergraduate studies in Physics, Philosophy, and Theology at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA, and my PhD at Mt. Stromlo Observatory, the Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. In addition to research, I frequently give talks to school groups and the general public about Astronomy and have regular segments on various radio stations talking about Astronomy news and events. Among other things, I have developed a series of Astronomy coins in conjunction with the Royal Australian Mint, consulted on science fiction movies, advised on Astronomy-themed art projects, and has been featured in specials on the National Geographic Channel'.

Zoo Victoria's International Conservation Partnerships

Chris writes:  'A brief outline of my presentation is:

As a zoo-based conservation organisation, Zoos Victoria supports recovery programs for 20 native threatened species and a range of international conservation projects. A key criterion for the international relationships is clear benefits to both wildlife and people. Chris Banks manages the international partnerships and details Zoos Victoria’s multi-year partnerships in the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Uganda, a conservation grants program and a sister zoo partnership in Port Moresby, PNG'.