Cruise Ship Speakers & Instructors


	THE CRUISE SHIP ENRICHMENT AGENCY
	www.cruiseshipenrichment.net
	ASTRONOMERS, COSMOLOGISTS & SPACE SCIENTISTS

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		Raymond Arvidson Planetary Scientist, Geologist & Astronomer James S McDonnell University Professor Emeritus

Coming from:		Saint Louis, Missouri USA

Raymond Arvidson received a Ph.D. from Brown University in 1974. He is presently the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor Emeritus at Washington University in St. Louis. During his 48 year teaching and research career he focused on understanding current and past environments on the Earth, Mars, and Venus, and has participated in a dozen robotic missions to Venus and Mars. Arvidson is a regular speaker with various cruise lines and lectures on planetary geology and astronomy, local and global geology, climate change, oceans, and how study of other planets fits into a better understanding of the Earth.


		Blaine Baggett Astronomy & Space Exploration

Coming from:		Los Angeles, California USA

Blaine Baggett is known worldwide for sharing stories about space exploration. For these achievements he was awarded NASA'S highest recognition: the Distinguished Service Medal. An enthusiastic speaker and an Emmy® award-winning documentarian, Baggett expertly interweaves dazzling graphics, personal stories and excerpts from his television productions to inspire and inform audiences. He was also a finalist for NASA’s “First Journalist in Space” program and was honored to be inducted into the International Academy of Astronautics.


		David Baker Aerospace/Aviation/Military History & Espionage IAA, FBIS, FRHistS

Coming from:		Brede, Nr. Rye, East Sussex UK

British born, Dr David Baker has had a lifelong involvement with the NASA space programme, helping send men to the Moon in the 1960's, working to develop the re-usable Shuttle in the 1970's, helping countries around the world use space applications in their everyday lives during the 1980's, advising on space policy during the 1990's and lecturer and historian in the new century. An award-winning author David has written more than 100 books, academic and popular, on many aspects of science, aviation, space, defence and astronomy and the development of the technologies and the politics that underpinned the Cold War.


		J. Kelly Beatty Astronomy \| Stargazing \| Space Exploration

Coming from:		Chelmsford, MA USA

J. Kelly Beatty has been explaining the science and wonder of astronomy to the public since 1974, when he joined the staff of Sky & Telescope magazine. A national-award-winning writer and communicator, he specializes in astronomy and space exploration. In 2018, after 43 years of pounding the keyboard, he retired from full-time work but remains actively involved in many of the magazine’s articles, tours, and other projects. Kelly enjoys speaking to audiences of all ages and interest levels. He observes the night sky when he can through one of his 10 telescopes — one of which fits in a carry-on and is optimized for viewing the Sun and stars aboard cruise ships.


		Ted Blank Astronomy \| Space Exploration

Coming from:		Fountain Hills, Arizona USA


Ted Blank has been a NASA Solar System Ambassador since 2010, communicating the science and excitement of NASA's space exploration missions and discoveries to people in his community and on cruise ships. He is a past President of the New Hampshire Astronomical Society and a sought-after speaker, enjoying sharing his knowledge on any topic related to astronomy and the solar system.


		Tom Boles Astronomy and Space

Coming from:		Ipswich, Suffolk UK

Tom Boles is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and former President of The British Astronomical Association. He was awarded The Merlin and Walter Goodacre Medals for his contribution to astronomy. The International Astronomical Union named main-belt asteroid, 7648, Tomboles in his honour. He has discovered more supernovae, dying stars, than any other individual in history. Most of the world’s biggest telescopes, both optical and radio and including several space-based satellites and telescopes, such as the Hubble Space Telescope have been used to analyse his discoveries.


		Dr Ann Burgess Naturalist, Ornithology, Astronomy and Destination Speaker

Coming from:		Parksville, British Columbia Canada

Dr Ann Carroll Burgess is an award-winning writer, photographer, and lecturer who has had a varied and distinguished career in several disciplines. After graduation, she was hired by the Museum of Science in Boston as a planetarium lecturer, the youngest and only the second woman to hold that position at that time. Fifteen years ago Ann took up the challenge of lecturing at sea, sharing her passion for nature and astronomy as an enrichment lecturer. She continues to write and her Deck Chair Naturalist website is devoted to how you can to best observe nature from a ship.


		Jonathan Clough Astronomy

Coming from:		Cambridge, Cambridgeshire UK

Jonathan completed a certificate and a diploma course in astronomy at the University of Cambridge, Institute of Continuing Education, and is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomy Society. He is one of the presenters at the University of Cambridge Institute of Astronomy public open evenings. Jonathan runs an Introduction to Astronomy course at the U3A in Cambridge and is also one of the presenters of a similar course for the Cambridge Astronomical Association. He is also one of the regular presenters on the monthly radio programme "The Sky Tonight" on Huntingdon Community Radio.


		John Crilly Astronomy

Coming from:		Wadsworth, OH USA

John Crilly is an Ohio attorney who is also an experienced amateur astronomer, amateur radio operator, and homebrewer who enjoys sharing his knowledge and enjoyment of these topics. He has been a licensed amateur radio operator (ham) since 1969. In 2003 he completed construction of a home observatory and since then his primary astronomical interest has shifted to capturing deep sky images using a wide variety of equipment. He has written on various astronomical topics as well as reviewing equipment for the premier amateur astronomy website, Cloudy Nights.


		Dr Christopher Crowe Astronomy

Coming from:		Harrow on the Hill, London UK


A professional astronomer, fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, and Director of the Rayleigh Observatory in London, UK, Chris is Head of Astronomy at the world-renowned Harrow School and was part of a research team at the University of Cambridge working in the same department as the late Stephen Hawking. He provides: Lectures, Stargazing Parties, Workshops, VR Stargazing.


		Richard de Grijs Astronomy \| Maritime History

Coming from:		Sydney, NSW Australia

Richard de Grijs is a prolific and popular public speaker with in-depth knowledge of astronomy and maritime history. He holds professional appointments as professor of astrophysics at Macquarie University (Sydney, Australia) and Executive Director of the International Space Science Institute–Beijing, a 25% secondment. He recently published a detailed biography of William Dawes, the astronomer assigned to the “First Fleet” from England to Australia (1787–1788). Richard spends his weekends as volunteer guide on the Maritime Museum’s historical (replica) tall ships.


		Stuart Eves Astronomy

Coming from:		Reading, Berkshire UK

In 2018, Stuart Eves founded his own space consultancy company, SJE Space Ltd, after spending 16 years with the UK Ministry Of Defence, and 14 years with Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL). Stuart has an MSc in Astrophysics, a PhD in satellite constellation design, and has been a fellow of both the Royal Astronomical Society and the British Interplanetary Society for more than 25 years. Stuart is a regular public speaker at astronomy societies around the country, and has presented more than once at the Royal Institution in London.


		Norbert Frischauf Physics, Science, Astronomy, Spaceflight, Technology PhD

Coming from:		Zwölfaxing, Lower Austria Austria

Norbert Frischauf is a partner at SpaceTec Partners, visiting scientist at CERN, lecturer at TU Graz and co-founder of two operating start-ups. He is an alumnus of the International Space University, holds a master in Technical Physics from the Technical University in Vienna and a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the Technical University in Graz (Austria). Norbert is active as science communicator, making science documentaries for the Austrian Broadcasting (ORF) Corporation, Bayern Alpha, 3Sat and writing popular science articles in various magazines.


		Professor Robert Gill Astronomy & Space Science

Coming from:		Fallbrook, California USA

Robert Gill received his first telescope for Christmas at the age of 10. He joined the California State University, Fullerton Physics Department in 1969 where he completed his degrees in Physics and Environmental Science. He taught physics and astronomy classes and was the director of the university’s observatory. He was awarded emeriti status upon retirement. Robert continues doing research on variable stars, publishes, presents scientific papers and gives lectures on astronomical and space science topics onboard cruise ships.


		Trevor Hand Astronomy

Coming from:		Bentleigh, VIC Australia

Trevor has had an interest in astronomy since before the Moon landings in 1969 and has been a regular presenter at public star gazing events for the Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society (MPAS) in Victoria, Australia, for more than ten years. He has been an invited guest speaker at several other astronomical societies and radio stations. He has a broad knowledge of all things astronomical and is particularly well known for his “hands on” presentations, using his collection of meteorites and space memorabilia to add a touch of “reality” to his talks.


		Kyle Jeter Astronomy Broward Co. Teacher of the Year; ACEAP Ambassador to Chile

Coming from:		Coral Springs, Florida USA

Mr. Jeter has taught Astronomy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, since 1994. He was the 2017 Broward County Teacher of the Year and a 2018 ACEAP Ambassador to Chile. Throughout his career Mr. Jeter has had a wide range of experiences that help engage his audiences - from flying in a "Zero-G" aircraft to launching a series of high-altitude balloons into the stratosphere. He has written Astronomy articles for local publications and is a part-time librarian and public speaker. He has given presentations at conventions, Universities, libraries, and on a cruise ship.


		Ken Kelly US Manned Space Programme: Mercury - Gemini - Apollo BSc, PGCE

Coming from:		Leamington Spa, Warwickshire UK

Ken started his working life as a teacher and lecturer and taught Mathematics in the UK and Malaysia. Returning to the UK Ken swapped teaching for High Performance Sport. Awarded an Olympic Coach Scholarship in 1992, he has worked for a number of the UK’s leading sports bodies. As a counter-point to his professional work, Ken has studied the US and Soviet manned space programmes extensively, from Mercury to the Space Shuttle, Vostok to Soyuz. Ken is an experienced, innovative and engaging presenter having spoken extensively at conferences in the UK and abroad.


		Dr William Kramer Outer Space \| Astrobiology \| Wildlife

Coming from:		Frederick, MD USA

William Kramer earned a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, master’s in environmental policy and public administration, and doctorate in political science with an emphasis in outer space policy and futures studies. He spent most of his career as a wildlife biologist with the Smithsonian Institution and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. After his first retirement, he assisted the US Navy’s Pacific Fleet for 12 years as a senior environmental scientist. Since 2013, William continues to lecture and lead workshops on outer space exploration and development issues at the International Space University in Strasbourg, France.


		John Maclean Astronomy & Astrophysics FRAS, FRGS.

Coming from:		Exeter, Devon UK

John is an experienced Science Communicator in the fields of Astronomy and Astrophysics and is an award winning Astro Photographer. He has a special interest in Cometary science and is a member of the UK Meteor Monitoring Network as well as participating as a communicator for NASA and ESA space missions. John is an experienced presenter with an engaging and humorous style accompanied with extremely professional graphic and audio presentations. John has the ability to communicate scientific concepts in a way that the audience both enjoys and understands. He is also able to provide "Stargazing" nights on board and can lead Aurora expeditions.


		Professor Steven Nanning Space Vehicle Design \| History \| Astronomy

Coming from:		Ontario, California USA

Steve Nanning is now a Professor of Aerospace Engineering @ Cal Poly Pomona following a 40 year career in Aerospace Engineering. He has designed, tested, and launched over 20 Satellites over the course of his career. He currently teaching courses on Spacecraft Design and the Space Environment. He has Masters Degrees in High Technology Mgmt and Systems Architecture & Engineering form National University and USC, respectively. He is an historical resource on the US Space Program.


		Ray Norris Astronomy

Coming from:		Faulconbridge, NSW Australia

Ray Norris is a retired Professor and an Emeritus Fellow at CSIRO Space & Astronomy. He researches the evolution of the Universe, and also studies the astronomy of Aboriginal Australians. He was educated at Cambridge University, and University of Manchester, UK, and moved to Australia to join CSIRO, where he became Head of Astrophysics, Deputy Director of the Australia Telescope, and Director of the Australian Astronomy Major National Research Facility.


		Glenn Patrick Physics, Cosmology & Earth Sciences BSc, PhD, CPhys, FInstP, FRAS, FRGS

Coming from:		Lyme Regis, Dorset UK

Glenn is a particle physicist who has spent most of his career working on large international experiments using accelerators at the CERN Laboratory in Geneva. Glenn is based at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory where he is now an Honorary Scientist and is also a Visiting Professor at the University of Portsmouth, where he teaches. Glenn regularly gives public talks to a wide variety of audiences and specialises in explaining the concepts of physics, cosmology and astronomy in everyday language.


		Paul Riley Popular Science, Astronomy & Food Science BSc, MSc, PhD

Coming from:		Wirral, UK

At the age of 55 Paul took early retirement to work as a freelance consultant and after falling in love with cruising as passengers (with his wife) took on the challenge to become a cruise ship speaker. Paul’s passion for chemistry and geology gave him an interest in astronomy and he has written a wide variety of talks predominately focusing on astronomy and space travel, but he has also extended his portfolio talks outside of astronomy to include such diverse topics as the history of tea, coffee, sugar, gin & tonic, makeup to die for (or drop dead gorgeous), Christmas traditions and a focus on Norway as a destination.


		Dr Kenneth Stein Space Travel & Exploration EdD, NASA Silver Snoopy Award

Coming from:		Merritt Island, Florida USA

During Dr. Kenneth Stein’s 21-year career with Boeing at the Kennedy Space Center he developed his interest in the manned space programs of the United States and Soviet Union. Ken’s presentations focus on the significant events and people who took the first steps to leave Earth with a combination of facts, stories, and trivia. He provides the passengers with an educational and fun experience, ensuring everyone leaves with at least one take-away.


		Dr James Teslow Space Science, Astronomy & Engineering Astronomy, Rockets, Star-gazing

Coming from:		Kenosha, Wisconsin USA

Dr. James Teslow is an astronomer, member of the American Astronomical Society, aerospace engineer, and educator. A true rocket scientist, he worked in the field of rocket propulsion for 30 years before turning his attention to education. He has since taught secondary science and mathematics, and numerous university graduate courses as an adjunct professor. He now teaches and entertains via talks on ships, and at libraries and senior centers. In his spare time he enjoys long-distance walking.


		Lou Thieblemont Aviation Former Airline Pilot, Astronomical Society of Harrisburg, PA

Coming from:		Camp Hill, PA USA

Lou Thieblemont has always been fascinated by the sky. Even before graduating from New York Institute of Technology, he was working for Air France Flight Dispatch at JFK airport making computerized flight plans. After graduation, he worked for 37 years as a commercial airline pilot, first for TWA and then for American Airlines when the two carriers merged. Since his retirement Lou has been an active volunteer for a number of organisations and offers a series of talks on topics as diverse as astronomy, aviation, Antarctic exploration, optical illusions, and computer graphics.


		LtCol (ret) Ken Verderame Astronomy & Space Exploration

Coming from:		Indialantic, Florida USA

Col Verderame has been involved in the U.S. space program for 38 years, working for NASA & the USAF, with degrees in astro physics, geological engineering & aerospace engineering. He is a graduate of the USAF Test Pilot School, having flown in 56 different aircraft & was a NASA astronaut instructor, teaching astronauts to fly the Space Shuttle. He is an experienced cruise ship speaker who has been public speaking for over 30 years to diverse audiences from astronauts to community groups with a down-to-earth, engaging style that makes complex subjects easily understandable to anyone.


		Jonathan H. Ward, FRAS Astronomy & Space Exploration

Coming from:		Greensboro, North Carolina USA

Jonathan H. Ward is an astronomer, author, speaker, and space historian. Jonathan’s joy of bringing the space program to life for the public began in high school, when he served as a tour guide at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum during the Apollo era. Today he is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, a Solar System Ambassador for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and a frequent speaker on astronomy and space exploration to audiences ranging from schools to retirement communities to national conferences.


		Dr Chris Welch Astronomy, Space Exploration and Physics PhD FRAS FBIS FRAeS

Coming from:		Strasbourg, Grand Est France

Dr Chris Welch is a former professor of astronautics and is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, Royal Aeronautical Society and British Interplanetary Society. He has a broad range of expertise across space disciplines, has made zero-g parabolic flights, sent experiments to the space station, written on the design of extraterrestrial gardens and composed a poem that orbited the Earth more than 10000 times. Chris is enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge in a lively and accessible manner and has a collection of space artefacts that he uses to illustrate his presentations.


		Alan Wright Astronomy & Physical Sciences BSc, PhD, FASA

Coming from:		Wynyard, Tasmania Australia

Alan Wright has been a professional research astronomer for over 50 years, much of that time as the Chief Astronomer & Head of Operations at the world-famous Parkes Observatory in Australia, known to many as “The Dish”. He is a multiple graduate of London University and has worked in Canada, the USA and several European countries, as well as in Australia. Recently retired, he retains his passion for astronomy and takes a very active interest in all modern astronomical discoveries. He is also a dynamic and popular speaker who specialises in making “tricky” scientific subjects understandable to everybody.