Dr. Christopher Palma

Biography

Christopher Palma is a Teaching Professor in the Eberly College of Science at Penn State University, specializing in Astronomy and Astrophysics. He holds a B.S. in Astronomy and Astrophysics and a B.S. in Physics from Penn State University, as well as an M.A. and Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Virginia. He has a strong interest in science pedagogy and educational research, particularly focusing on K-12 teacher professional development. His research interests also include light pollution measurement and the advocacy for dark skies, as well as the study of galactic structures and stellar populations. Palma plays an active role in the academic community by mentoring graduate students and serving on various committees related to teaching and alumni relations. He teaches several courses, including Astro 150 and Astro 191, and collaborates with faculty members for outreach initiatives. His scholarly contributions include presentations at national meetings and involvement in historical astronomy projects.

Research Interests