Full and Part-Time Staff
Tom Burns, Director
A professor of English at Ohio Wesleyan University, Tom is a fervent amateur astronomer. Throughout the years, he has given thousands of talks and programs on Astronomy, and has built more than 50 telescopes. His ever popular "Nickel Tour of the Universe" is a sure crowd pleaser. Look for his weekly column about Astronomy in the Tuesday edition of the Columbus Dispatch (in the "Insight" section). One of Tom's hobbies includes launching LARGE model rockets (the kind that go more than a mile up in the air). Tom has been Director of Perkins since May of 1992, and before that, a volunteer here for more than 10 years.
Gary McCool, Technical Supervisor
Gary also did time in the Air Force as an E-5 Sergeant, specializing in Inertial Navigation Systems. His other diverse jobs included: Apartment complex maintenance, manager of a Radio Shack store, mainframe computer technician, and manager of a video game chain. His hobbies include building sailboats, canoes and restoring Stearman Biplanes. Gary built his first telescope at age eleven. Many of the ongoing projects at Perkins Observatory would be much more difficult (if not impossible) without use of Gary's many skills. Oh yes, Gary has been a member of the Columbus Astronomical Society for many years and frequently confuses work and volunteering.
Don Stevens, Technical and Program Assistant
Our resident skeptic and freethinker. Don joined the staff of Perkins after seven years as a volunteer. He runs the 32" telescope, gives astronomy and science lectures, takes care of the computers, is webmaster of this site, and assist with the public programs. When not at Perkins Observatory he can usually be found at a coffee shop with an espresso in one hand and a book in the other. Don is working to complete his astrophysics degree. He is also a member of the Columbus Astronomical Society and a former officer.
Noted Volunteers
Jay Elkes, CAS Volunteer
One of the most active volunteer here at Perkins, Jay has been a member of the Columbus Astronomical Society for about 20 years (and is a former President, Vice President, Secretary, and Trustee of the Society... Why would they not let him be Treasurer?). As a volunteer, Jay frequently gives highly enjoyable tours of the Observatory.
Emeritus Volunteers & Staff Page
If you wish to contact us, send e-mail at perkinsw (at symbol here) owu (period here) edu or call us at (740) 363-1257
