Get to Know Gemini! – Alison Peck

Get to Know Gemini is a new series of blog posts aimed to highlight the different careers, backgrounds, and types of people contributing to Gemini Observatory and its science.

Name:  Alison Peck

What is your current position and at which telescope?

I am an Instrument Program and User Support Scientist at Gemini North

In four lines or less, explain what you do as part of the Gemini Observatory team?

I am working mostly on the Visitor/Community Instrument programs.  I also spend part of my time working with the Science User Support Group

How long have you worked for Gemini?

8 months

Where are you originally from/where did you grow up?

I’ve moved around a lot, all my life, mostly in the US and Europe. I lived in Hilo several years ago, and I liked it enough to come back.

In three lines, explain your PhD thesis.

I studied the gas falling into supermassive black holes in galaxies.  This helps to put an estimate on the mass of the black hole, and to characterize the physical environment in the central parsecs near the active galactic nucleus.

What are your current research interests?

I still study the central regions of active galactic nuclei at a variety of wavelengths.

What is your favorite movie?

Blade Runner, but Primer is a pretty close runner-up

What is one hobby of yours?

Walking.  I like to walk to work, I like to go hiking, anything outdoors where I can look at plants, animals, weather, etc.

Favorite beverage?

Ginger lemonade

Check back next month to learn more about the staff that help Gemini to explore the Universe and share its wonders!