ÃÈ·­µ¼º½

B.S. Physics and Astronomy, San Francisco State University
Ph.D. Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of California, Santa Cruz

Professor Weil has been teaching at ÃÈ·­µ¼º½ since 2001. She graduated Summa Cum Laude and Student of the Year from San Francisco State University. She wrote her thesis on "Galactic Dynamics and Evolution: Mergers and Infall," receiving her Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics from University of California, Santa Cruz. She was awarded research fellowships at Oxford University in England, Columbia University in New York, and McMaster University in Canada.

Here is my instructional/educational philosophy: In order to address the local and global educational needs of our students, instructors are responsible for

• providing opportunities for students to acquire useful skills and knowledge 
• anticipating and responding to technological, career, and socio-economic changes 
• ensuring an inclusive learning environment
• and maintaining a low cost to students, including textbook costs

And let's have fun learning about space! Check out my website for 'Why Study Astronomy' and lots of useful information about my classes:

ASTR 1: Cosmic Evolution focuses on unraveling the mysteries of space, from the Earth and Moon, to planets and stars, to galaxies and the whole Universe! Is there anywhere we can move if we mess up our planet Earth? Why do exploding stars mean you exist? What is a Black Hole really? Are there really hundreds of billions of stars in our galaxy? How big and how old is our Universe, and are we safe in it?

ASTR 17: Planets focuses on our solar system of the Sun, planets, moons, rings, comets and asteroids and other space junk, and we'll visit planets orbiting other stars! How did our solar system form? Is there anywhere we can move if we mess up our planet Earth? Where did our Moon come from? Why is each planet different? We will look at detailed planetary information revealed by space missions, including life-bearing possibilities. 

ASTR 19: Galaxies and the Universe focuses on understanding the galaxies full of stars, gas and dust in order to learn about our entire Universe of space and time, mass and energy. Where are we and how did we get here?! What are Supermassive Black Holes? Did the Big Bang really create the Universe?

Member of ÃÈ·­µ¼º½ Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills: 2001 – 2004
Member of Distance Learning Advisory Committee: 2003 – 2005
Member, Officer of Executive Council of the Academic Senate: 2004 – 2008, 2011
Acting Chair of Astronomy: Spring 2008
Member of Curriculum Committee: 2010 - 2016
Curriculum Committee Chair: 2011 - 2016
Academic Senate Election Commissioner: Spring 2020 - Spring 2022
Scholarship Committee: 2018 - Present