Michelle Ferrara Peterson
AstroCamp Program Director
Michelle began her career in research, which took her to many places, including Australia, Hawaii, Alaska, and Antarctica.
Throughout her adventures, she discovered her passion for sharing the natural world with others (especially children) and so began her love with informal science education. Michelle first worked at AstroCamp for five years in 1997 as an Instructor and an Assistant Program Director. Her zeal for education brought her to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry as the school partnership manager, where she was able to hone her skills of blending informal and formal education. In 2010, she returned to AstroCamp as Program Director. She feels that nothing can replace a clear night sky to spark the interest of students in astronomy. She has been fortunate to participate in professional development training at JPL and with SOFIA. She is a member of the International Planetarium Society and Astronomical Society of the Pacific. She is an ACEAP Ambassador and part of the IAU’s US NAEC Team. Michelle believes that the best part of science is that there is always more to discover.
“One, remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Two, never give up work. Work gives you meaning and purpose and life are empty without it. Three, if you are lucky enough to find love, remember it is there and don’t throw it away.”
Stephen Hawking
