Randy M. Russell
I joined the Windows to the Universe team in early January 2003. My primary
role is to develop content about space for the site (especially for the Solar
System, Space Missions, and Universe sections).
My professional background is in space science, educational technology, and
the development of interactive multimedia software. I received my B.S. in astrophysics
from Michigan State University in 1981; my Master's in aerospace engineering
from the University of Maryland in 1988; and my Ph.D. in educational systems
development from Michigan State in 1998. My Ph.D. dissertation topic was "World
Wide Web Site Visitor Studies Techniques Using Server Log File Data".
I worked briefly as a computer programmer/analyst at NASA's Goddard Space
Flight Center in 1987-1988 in support of satellite communications. For several
years (1990-1996), I helped research and develop new multimedia software technologies
at the Communications Technology Lab at
Michigan State. One of my main projects there was the development of the Microbe
Zoo web site and CD-ROM,
which provides insights into the worlds of microbiology to "kids of all
ages". I helped develop numerous online courses, mostly related to science
and engineering topics, while working for Michigan
State's Virtual University from 1997-2001. In 2001-2002 I worked for TERC developing
web-based interactives about Earth Science for their Exploring
Earth project, a companion web site to the high school textbook of the
same name.
I'm a hardcore, four-season bicycle commuter and a two-time world champion
Ultimate Frisbee player. I like to camp and hike and ski and generally get
outside a lot.
The Space Science themes that I personally find most interesting these days
include extrasolar planets, astrobiology, spacecraft and spaceflight technologies
(especially the gradual buildup of infrastructure to enable the permanent presence
of humans in space and on other worlds), and the ongoing robotic exploration
of our Solar System.
Shop Windows to the Universe Science Store!
Our
online store includes
issues of NESTA's quarterly journal, The Earth Scientist, full of classroom activities on different topics in Earth and space science, ranging from
seismology,
rocks and minerals,
oceanography, and
Earth system science to
astronomy!
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