{"id":9539,"date":"2022-02-08T15:16:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-08T21:16:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/planetarium\/?page_id=9539"},"modified":"2026-03-16T12:17:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T17:17:13","slug":"directory","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/planetarium\/about\/directory\/","title":{"rendered":"Staff"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Jean Creighton, Director<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Jean
Dr. Jean Creighton<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I have always lived in cities where the lights tend to obscure the stars. This may be why I appreciate a Planetarium theater. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was born in Toronto, Ontario and I grew up in Athens, Greece where my mother claims I showed a great interest in how stars form from the age of five. To understand better how the universe works I studied Physics (University of Athens). My honors thesis was on the planet Neptune, which spurred me to cross the Atlantic to get a masters degree in Astronomy (Saint Mary\u2019s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia) and a Ph.D. in Astrophysics (University of Waterloo). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From 1998-1999, I was involved in an infrared satellite called WIRE as a postdoctoral researcher at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Since September 1999, I have been teaching Astronomy at various levels at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and, in 2007, I became director of the 51ÁÔÆæ Manfred Olson Planetarium. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2014, I was selected by NASA to be an Airborne Astronomy Ambassador and to spend 20 hours in the stratosphere on SOFIA, the largest moving observatory in the world. In 2017, I was chosen for the University of Wisconsin System Regents Academic Staff Excellence Award. I am very proud to have shared the beauty and elegance of the cosmos with over 150,000 members of our community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Victoria Robison, Assistant Director<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Victoria Robison<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It was a teacher\u2019s enthusiasm that sparked my interest in physics and astronomy and led me to pursue a Bachelor\u2019s degree in Physics from UW-Milwaukee. I jumped at the chance to work at the 51ÁÔÆæ Planetarium while I was a student. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After graduating, I entered the field of mathematics and science education as a research coordinator and copyeditor. It is my pleasure to return to the Planetarium in 2018 as Assistant Director to share my passion for supporting exciting, meaningful, and accessible astronomy programs for all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I\u2019m not daydreaming about the mysteries of the universe, I\u2019m tending my garden, making art, playing music, and plotting my next travel destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Student Employees<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Patrick Selep<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Patrick\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Patrick is a returning student studying astrophysics with previous degrees and careers in engineering and computers. He volunteers with the Manfred Olson Planetarium at 51ÁÔÆæ and leads the stargazing programs. We have a 14\u201d  telescope on a robotic mount on top of the physics building. The urban location obscures most deep-sky objects but lends itself more to the kind of photometry that is required for exoplanet transit observations. During the day he likes to bike, sail and kayak among other things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jack Koshkin (Spring 2022\u2013 )<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Jack is a Music Composition\/Technology and Anthropology double major at 51ÁÔÆæ, and works as a Presenter for Planetarium shows- from public crowds to birthday parties!  He’s long had a passion for astronomy, and first applied to the team because he remembered seeing Dr. Creighton do a show when he was just 10 years old!  Outside of 51ÁÔÆæ, you can catch him playing with his funk-and-prog-rock band Fightin’ Bob!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leah Nolte (Fall 2022\u2013 )<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Leah\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I have always loved space and astronomy; I am hoping that this job will allow me to learn more about our wonderful planetarium and the universe! In my free time, I like to paint and bake. I am honored to help educate and inform the community about the planetarium\u2014it is such a neat place!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joie Mraz (Spring 2024\u2013 )<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Joie is a sophomore at 51ÁÔÆæ majoring in Biological Sciences. She enjoys music, crafting, and learning new science facts. Joie has a cat named Ruru who she loves very dearly and a fun fact about her is that she plays flute and electric guitar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maya Lopez (Fall 2025- )<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hi, my name is Maya! I’m majoring in Design & Visual Communication, minoring in Music, and earning a certificate in Digital Arts & Culture. I am part of the Design and Production team with the 51ÁÔÆæ Planetarium. I love working at the planetarium and learning cool stuff about space! Outside of school, I love going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and watching anime!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elaina Hatley (Fall 2025- )<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hi, I’m Elaina! I am a Criminal Justice and Psychology major and I’m in my second year here at 51ÁÔÆæ! I have a great connection with the stars as my family and I would go camping and observe them during the summer when I was younger. I love watching movies and TV shows. I’m also big into crafting and love to make all sorts of new things!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mercedes Godfrey (Fall 2025- )<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hello, my name is Mercedes! I am a double major in Psychology and Neuroscience with hopes to be a child psychiatrist, but beyond that, I have always felt enraptured by the stars, planets, and whatever lies beyond our own floating rock. I am a part of the social media team for the Manfred Olson Planetarium. Outside of my studies, you can find me playing in the University Community Band\/Panther Pep Band, reading, or doing crafts of all sorts!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jay Hodge (Spring 2026- )<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I’m Jay, and I’m a Digital and Visual Communication major. I’ve always had a deep love for space and art, so working as part of the Design and Production team here at the planetarium is an amazing opportunity. I enjoy playing video games, going to concerts, and watching movies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nFormer Staff<\/a>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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