About Us

Manfred Olson Planetarium

The Planetarium was named for Manfred Olson (1905-1966), professor of physics from 1931 to 1963. Olson worked on the development of the atomic bomb at the University of Chicago in 1943, and from 1947 to 1949 was a senior physicist at Los Alamos, New Mexico, where he worked on Geiger counter systems. After retiring from UWM he became director and lecturer at the Planetarium on a part-time basis.

Planetarium Staff

Jean Creighton, Director
I have always lived in big cities where the city lights tend to obscure the stars of the night. This may be why I appreciate a Planetarium theater. I was born in Toronto, Ontario and I grew up in Athens, Greece where my mother claims I showed a great interest in how stars form from the age of five. To me, Physics was the gateway to Astronomy, and so I studied (in the Physics Department) at the University of Athens, graduating in 1991. My honors thesis was on the planet Neptune. Researching and writing about this great planet caused me to realize that I really wanted more Astronomy in my life; and so much so that I was willing to cross the Atlantic to get a masters degree from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. With that, I was on a roll, and attended the University of Waterloo, graduating with a Ph.D. in Astrophysics in 1998. After that, I was fortunate enough to be involved in an infrared satellite called WIRE as a postdoctoral researcher at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Since September 1999, I have been teaching Astronomy at various levels at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and, in 2007, I became director of the UWM Manfred Olson Planetarium. It’s great fun to share my excitement with my audience as well as with my own two boys.

Zach Fleischmann
I am a sophomore at UWM studying Mechanical Engineering, I hope to pursue a career in the fast growing career of corrosion control. There has always been an interest for me in astronomy, i just couldn't see myself doing it for a career. I enjoy riding my bike wherever I can and having a great time with my friends. I have also lived my whole life in the Milwaukee area.

 

 

Steven Meaney
I am a sophomore at UWM, going for a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. I also conduct research on pulsars and neutron stars with the ARCC group here at UWM. Born in Oakland, CA; I spent a few years growing up first in California, then Two Rivers, Kewaunee, and finally Green Bay. I love the night sky, and so being able to work for a planetarium is a lot of fun.

 

Victoria Robison
I am a junior at UWM studying Italian and Physics with an emphasis in Astronomy. In addition, I conduct research with a professor in the Geosciences department. Originally from Milwaukee, I spent much of my life growing up in California. I hope to continue on to graduate studies.

 

 

Larry Buroker
I am currently majoring in physics with a minor in business at UWM and plan to graduate sometime in 2008. I grew up on a farm near the Dells and worked at Chula Vista Theme Park before coming to Milwaukee. I have been interested in stars, planets, and the endless possibilities of space as far back as I can remember which is probably why I choose to pursue a future career in physics.

 

Former Planetarium Staff

Megan Blomquist
I am currently a freshman at UWM and I am planning on graduating in 2010. I hope to pursue a career in veterinary medicine after I receive a degree in biology at UWM. I am in the University Band and I play the flute. I am also planning on joining the UWM Panther Cheerleading Squad in the fall of next year. I have always had an interest in astronomy. When I was given the opportunity to be involved with the planetarium I was excited, because I knew that I was going to be able to use the university telescopes to observe the night sky.

Mandie Heidenreich
My name is Mandie Heidenreich, and I am to be certified in Middle Childhood through Early Adolescence Education, Cultures and Communities, Environmental Education, Natural Science, and Language Arts. I will be finishing my undergraduate certificate at the end of May 2009, after which I plan to attend the Milwaukee Montessori Institute for one year to become a teacher with a Master's degree in Montessori Education.