Valerie Rapson
Valerie's interest in astronomy began in childhood, watching Star Trek with her father and wondering how the universe works. During her undergraduate studies at the University of Rochester, she taught a summer physics course for young women, sparking a lasting passion for science education and outreach. She has since worked at the Strasenburgh planetarium, taught lifelong learning programs for retired adults, and stayed active in amateur astronomy clubs across New York State. In 2014, she was inducted into the American Astronomical Society's Astronomy Ambassadors program in recognition of her extensive astronomy outreach throughout Rochester, NY.
Dr. Rapson is an Astronomer and public outreach enthusiast who enjoys teaching people of all ages about science. A native of Rochester, NY, she earned her Ph.D. in Astrophysical Sciences and Technology at RIT, where her research focused on the chemical composition and structure of planet-forming disks around nearby young stars. Her research interests include star and planet formation, exoplanets, and projects that can be done with small telescopes. Prior to joining the faculty at Oneonta, Dr. Rapson was the director of the Dudley Observatory in Albany, NY. There, she designed and taught astronomy education programs for children and adults, operated the Suites-Bueche planetarium, and oversaw the construction of a roll-top roof observatory with a 14 inch telescope. She is a National Astronomy Ambassador and was awarded the 2018 Emerging Leader Award by Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region. She teaches physics and astronomy at SUNY Oneonta and works with students at the campus planetarium and observatory.
