Jim at Yerkes Observatory Credit: G. Cvetic |
Dr. Jim Lochner
Job Description: Astrophysicist & Astronomy Educator
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Biography
Dr. James Lochner has developed educational materials for NASA since
1996. To this endeavor, he brings a lifelong fascination with astronomy
and a background as an astrophysicist, as well as his experience
enabling teachers and students to improve their understanding of the
universe. Dr. Lochner is currently on a two-year detail as the Science
Mission Directorate E/PO Program Manager at NASA Headquarters. Prior to
that, he was the E/PO Lead for the
Astrophysics Science
Division at NASA/GSFC, which includes both formal and informal
education programs, as well as outreach programs. He also served as E/PO
lead for the High Energy Science Archive Research Center (
HEASARC) and the
Suzaku mission at NASA/GSFC.
He led his team in the development of curriculum support materials on
topics ranging from galaxies to the origin of the chemical elements to
our evolving understanding of the nature of the universe. These
materials include educator guides, classroom resources, and student
access to astronomy data, all collected on the
Imagine the Universe! website.
He has managed all stages of development, from initial conception, working
with lesson developers, design of the product, evaluation and testing of
the materials, development of teacher workshops, and distribution of the
final materials. He has given a number of public talks and numerous
educator workshops nationwide at locations that include National Science
Teacher Association national and regional conferences, and at the
National Educational Computing Conference.
Click here for more details on Jim's background, career and other
interests!