Donna the Astronomer

Donna has always been in love with the sky.  A Drovers Brat, she learned to love the sky at an early age and learned many ancient stories of the sky.  She is always happy to share her love of the sky with anyone who will listen and is a popular speaker with schools, amateur astronomy gatherings; seniors groups and has been a guest lecturer on a number of Princess Cruises.  Her friendly, easy going style ensures the group has fun, as well as learning about the wonders of the night sky. She is also popular as an after dinner speaker.

For many years Donna worked at Siding Spring Observatory as an observer, technical support officer, and support astronomer on the research telescopes. She worked for the Australian National University and taught the students and visiting astronomers how to use the University's telescopes, including the 40" when it still resided on the Mountain. She has discovered 2 comets - being one of a few women to have ever done so. She is currently studying for her PhD at the University of Southern QLD - "because she can!"