Laura Weinkauf

Associate Professor of Physics
207-E Martin Hall
256-782-5743
weinkauf@jsu.edu 

Planetarium Program Director: JSU has a small (30-seat) planetarium with a state-of-the-art digital projector. Our Second Saturday Space Safari series of shows for the general public run at 1:30 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month from December to April. Shows are different each month with a theme related to the time of year. December's show is called "Star of Bethlehem" and February's show looks at "Love Stories in the Stars" from different cultures. We also offer a variety of shows for school and other interest groups. Contact me at the above phone or email for more information or to schedule your group for a visit.

Another astronomy project I'm currently pursuing is the completion of JSU's observatory on Chimney Peak. Currently the observatory houses a 14.25" Celestron telescope and we are in the process of interfacing hardware and software to enable remote operations.

I am also working with Nouredine Zettili (project director, physics) and Al Nichols (chemistry) on IMPACTSEED, an ongoing program to improve physics and chemistry teaching in regional high schools.