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Permalink Reply by Adriana on December 28, 2011 at 4:13pm

Join our Science groups! (*Especially The Daily Cosmos if you like astronomy). We love science in this web site :-) Why the change from environmental sciences to astronomy? When you get into an astronomy program, go for the PhD, though, not the Master's degree because if you want to one day to run an observatory, you will need the doctorate as a qualification, plus postdoctoral work, too.

Of course love is one of my favorite things, possible my favorite, in a general sense. Light, it depends on the circumstance. Sometimes I like darkness, sometimes I prefer rainy or snowy days to sunshine.

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Permalink Reply by Mrs. Jenna Henry on December 28, 2011 at 4:29pm

Adriana,

Excellent point. I did not do my research on requirements for running an observatory. Astronomy is my biggest passion but I have more concern for the future of the Earth since it tends to be fragile, especially in comparison. Thank you for the heads up! As I said, I have plans. Nothing is set in stone. So far I have been right about the things I love not changing. I have hope that astronomy will follow suit.

Anywho, it sounds like you know your stuff! What kind of postdoctoral work qualifies? I have to admit, as far as employment in the field of science goes, I am quite ignorant. I haven't had much of a chance to do the research with the daily grind and whatnot.

Love is my favorite thing in the world. I'm a feeler, though. Haha. I used to be a rainy-day kinda guy, but I miss the sun if it is gone for too long. I just like to look at a sunny day, though, I am much less interested in being hot or sunburned. Hehehe. 

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Permalink Reply by Adriana on December 28, 2011 at 5:07pm

I'm not an astronomer, I'm a molecular biologist, but in science, it's all the same, to reach a high position, running a lab, let alone a department, institute or observatory, a PhD is a requirement, and post-doctoral work, too. I'm not sure what kind of post-doctoral work qualifies you to end up running an observatory, but it would probably imply working in an an observatory, taking measurements, etc. Not to discourage you, but usually careers in science require many long years in training and becoming established as an investigator until one can reach a position of leadership.

Environmental sciences are fascinating as well, and as you say, we need environmental scientists because planet Earth really needs help. It's a good career as well!

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Permalink Reply by Mrs. Jenna Henry on December 28, 2011 at 6:44pm

That is not discouraging at all, it is actually good to know a bit about the path to what I want to do. The decision to abandon psychology and all of the analytic drama involved all happened really fast. I really didn't have the confidence, initially, to pursue the things I really love and care about. Human sexuality and having my eyes opened to the continued oppression of women lit a fire under my bottom, though. 

I would love to work in an observatory. I actually look forward to everything in between now and then.
A molecular biologist, wow! That is really fascinating stuff! Do you love it? 

I'm taking a soil science class right now and I am learning all about sustainable agriculture.
Between my hubby's schedule, kids and school I'm not having much luck in the job market. I'm thinking about trying to get a sustainable urban farming plan set up, locally. Better than obsessing over jobs that don't exist. (= 

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