Prof. Andrew Fraknoi appointed Honorary Member

The National Council of the RASC is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Andrew Fraknoi of Foothill College, California has accepted the Society's nomination of him as an Honorary Member. Professor Fracknoi was nominated by Mary Lou Whitehorne, who has had occasion to meet Professor Fraknoi and recommended him on the basis of his work in Education and Public Outreach.

“His work represents the global gold standard in astronomy education and outreach. He has inspired many to follow in his footsteps. I have had the pleasure of meeting him a few times, and of hearing him speak. He is nothing short of phenomenal - passionate, inspiring, dedicated and caring. I have used, and marvelled at, his work for over two decades. He has been my personal role model for over 20 years and is unquestionably deserving of honorary membership status. A not insignificant added benefit is a further strengthening of ties between the RASC and the ASP.”

Biographical information from: http://informalscience.org/member/show/5930 [2] show Professor Fraknoi is a science educator who is known for his skill in interpreting astronomical discoveries and ideas in everyday language. His accomplishments include:

• Chair of the Astronomy Program at Foothill College near San Francisco
• Professor of the Year in 2007 for the state of California
• Over 400 public lectures
• Executive Director of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific for 14 years.
• Founded and directed Project ASTRO, brings astronomers into 4th - 9th grade classrooms.
• He is a prolific author, speaker on news and talk programs.
• Board member of the SETI institute.
• Fellow of the Committee for Scientific Inquiry, specializing in debunking astrology.
• Fellow of the California Academy of Science. In 2009, he served as national secretary for the program committee for the International Year of Astronomy, celebrating the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s turning the telescope to the heavens.

Educated at Harvard and the University of California, Berkeley, Fraknoi has taught astronomy and physics at San Francisco State University, the City College of San Francisco, Canada College, and several campuses of the University of California Extension Division.