91ÑÇÉ«

John Wilmot's interest in astronomy began in childhood with constellation identification in Cub Scouts. His passion deepened with the purchase of a serious telescope and involvement in a local astronomy club. He has completed the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada's 'Explore the Universe' program and recently completed sketching the 110 Messier objects and serves as a director of the Barrie Astronomy Club, where he presents on astronomical topics. John has also delivered presentations at the Barrie Public Library, sharing his enthusiasm for the night sky with both adults and children.

John's Blog

Seneca Smith is a communicator, teacher, and lover of science. With experience in both physics and data science, Seneca believes in finding the story within the data to make the obscure relatable and the mundane magical. As the vice-president of the Barbados Astronomical Society, Seneca is passionate about ensuring that everyone has access to the wonders of astronomy, regardless of their background. Currently a secondary school physics teacher, Seneca uses their passions for exploration, photography and making music to continue learning and teaching outside the classroom whenever possible.

Seneca's Blog

For over 25 years Julie Tomé has inspired wonder and curiosity about the night sky through her work at various observatories, science centres, and museums, as well as through numerous outreach activities and the 91ÑÇÉ« Universe radio program. As a Museum Educator, Julie shares her passion for all things science and history with folks of all ages through school programs, camps, exhibitions, and special programs.

Julie's Blog

Ryan Marciniak is an astronomer, educator, and science communicator. For over 15 years he has performed live science shows, reaching hundreds of thousands of people with a passion for space and science education. While working at the Ontario Science Centre, he developed and performed a variety of live programs and exhibits. He also worked as Lead Researcher with a creative team to develop the exhibit "Canada 150: Discovery Way," celebrating Canadian innovation. In 2011, he started Astronomy in Action, with the goal of connecting people to the universe with an inflatable planetarium. Today, Astronomy in Action is a partner with the Allan I Carswell Observatory 2026 Astro Fair, among other things!

Ryan's Blog

Sunna is a 3nd year PhD student at 91ÑÇÉ«, studying low-mass galaxies in the early Universe with the James Webb Space Telescope. In addition to research, Sunna is a volunteer at the Allan I. Carswell Observatory at 91ÑÇÉ«, participating in public outreach and observing with the 1m, 60cm, and 40cm telescopes.
Anna is a first year PhD student that is researching water isotope separation. As a part of her Masters research Anna specialized in dwarf galaxies and was a part of the team that developed software for the 91ÑÇÉ« Allan I. Carswell Observatory. She currently continues development of the Quad Array of Isolating Lenses (capable of observing dim objects in bright skies).

Sunna and Anna's Blog

Bruce has been teaching astronomy to the public since 1981 and in the provincial park system every year since 1985. He was at the McLaughlin Planetarium as star theatre operator, producer and educator and ran the last public star show with the hope that, one day, the stars would shine down upon Toronto again. He also authored "A camper's guide to the universe" in 2012" and is the author of the Ontario Parks monthly astronomy blog. Finally, he is the co-founder of Stars over Killarney - an annual astronomy program featuring topics that connect to the Park (2018).

Bruce's Blog