LS
Lucas Suchinski
  • Environmental Earth Science
  • Class of 2017
  • Bristol, CT

Eastern Student Lucas Suchinski of Bristol Interns at Campus Planetarium

2017 Mar 7

Three Eastern Connecticut State University students were chosen as interns at the Wickware Planetarium for the spring 2017 semester.

Lucas Suchinski '17 of Bristol, who majors in Environmental Earth Science, was selected as one of the interns.

Students are selected for this internship as the final step of their astronomy and outreach minor. During the internship, the students are responsible for operating the star projector, planning planetarium shows and helping with astronomy events. Each intern gains knowledge and enhances their public speaking and planning skills, as well as learns how to put together a marketing strategy for the star shows throughout the semester.

"The knowledge I have gained during this internship is extraordinary," said Suchinski. "I have learned to operate a star projector and maintain a planetarium. The internship has also helped me refine my planning and public speaking abilities. I hope to one day inspire others to consider a career in the sciences using the skills I have developed through this internship."

"I really enjoy this year's interns," said Russell Sampson, professor of astronomy and assistant planetarium director. "So far we have done such great problem solving together. I think these internships will give the students a real 'hands-on' experience that will help them in their future careers. They are learning valuable communication, team work, planning and time-management, marketing and PR skills."

The internship is intended to give the students the experience of working at a planetarium and the planning that goes into planetarium events. "It's a real honor to have this opportunity," said Suchinski. "Everyone is brilliant and it's a pleasure to get to know them this semester. Completing this internship feels like the next step in bringing me closer to my goals."

The student interns are also working on a day-long event, "Astronomy Day," which is planned for the spring semester. They are working hard with one another in order to make the event as fun and educational as possible for the Eastern community.

The Wickware Planetarium at Eastern Connecticut State University hosts educational shows three to four times during the semester. Its Spitz System 512 star projector launches stars, constellations and planets onto the ceiling, with hopes of educating guests on the latest discoveries and changes in the galaxy. The University hosts classes in the planetarium for Eastern students who take part in astronomy, chemistry, physics and physical science classes.