Former Gemini Intern Receives Fellowship

Former Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) intern at Gemini South (and Virginia Tech student) Alex Gagliano is a recipient of the Wayne and Claire Horton Fellowship http://www.univhonors.vt.edu/html/scholarships_Horton.html . The fellowship provides support for Alex to travel to Gabon, West Africa, where he plans to help develop astronomy programs for teachers to use in their classes. Alex (left in photo) worked with science fellow Juan Madrid (right in photo) on extragalactic globular cluster while interning at Gemini.

According to Alex, “I’ll be traveling to Gabon, a Francophone country in Western Africa, to help developing French astronomy programs that teachers can use in their classes and also [participate in] a week of astronomy workshops for the general public, preceding a total annular eclipse on September 1st, 2016.” In addition, Alex is going to photograph and study the culture of Gabon, specifically the traditional stringed instruments of the region. “I’m going to participate in a few music festivals while I’m there,” he adds. To round out his experience Alex plans to explore the stories and culture surrounding astronomy knowledge in the region and photograph gorillas, elephants, and baboons during a two week trek through the largest rainforest in the country.

Have a great adventure Alex!