The Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Linda Shore to the position of Executive Director. Most recently, Shore served as Director of the Teacher Institute at San Francisco’s renowned science museum, the Exploratorium. While there she led a staff of scientists and educators, and created nationally recognized teaching programs. She was also responsible for fund development, grants program, and expanding institutional reach by forging collaborations with national and international museums and science centers. Shore has co-authored Exploratorium science and education books, and written articles about popular science and science education for the public. A native San Franciscan who has spent most of her life in the Bay Area, she holds a PhD in science education from Boston University, and a master’s degree in physics and astronomy from San Francisco State University.
Shore was also the recipient of a prestigious Smithsonian Pre-doctoral Fellowship to work at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics where she developed curriculum and conducted research on astronomy learning for the National Science Foundation funded program, Project STAR (Science Teaching through its Astronomical Roots).
“I am deeply honored and excited to assume the role of Executive Director for the ASP, an organization whose mission so strongly resonates with my personal passion for increasing science literacy through the study of astronomy,” said Dr. Shore. “I look forward to continuing the organization’s 125-year history of supporting a large and diverse community of astronomy enthusiasts and helping the organization to become a leader in science education for the next century.”
“Dr. Shore brings a unique background combining a passion for astronomy, love of science and science education, and management experience,” said Gordon Myers, ASP Board President. “She’ll be a great leader, and we’re excited to have her join the ASP.”
Dr. Shore will be introduced at the ASP’s 125th Anniversary celebration dinner on Friday, February 7 at Delancey Street restaurant on the Embarcadero in San Francisco. (Tickets for the event are available for sale via the ASP’s website.) Dr. Shore assumes leadership of the organization following the seven-year tenure of James G. Manning.
Contact:
Kathryn Harper
Director of Development & Communications
+1 415-715-1406
kharper@astrosociety.org
ASP 125th Anniversary Event:
http://www.astrosociety.org/125
Now in its 125th year, the ASP is one of the most recognized and well-respected nonprofit astronomy organizations in the country. Boasting diverse national programs partly funded by NASA and the NSF, publications, and awards designed to serve, empower, and recognize professional and amateur astronomers, as well as formal and informal educators, the ASP is unique in its mission to foster science literacy and share the excitement of exploration and discovery through astronomy.
The ASP is headquartered in the Ingleside neighborhood of San Francisco, and is financially supported by member dues, donations, grants, subscriptions, and retail sales.
