Dr. Michael D. Reynolds | |
---|---|
Born | 1954 |
Fields | Astronomy |
Institutions | FSCJ |
Alma mater |
University of Florida University of North Florida Thomas Edison State College |
Michael D. Reynolds (born 1954) is a Professor of Astronomy and served as the Dean of Mathematics & Natural Sciences and Professor of Astronomy at Florida State College in Jacksonville, Florida. Reynolds is perhaps best known for his astronomy and science education efforts, from the classroom to informal education to astronomy and space exploration outreach.
Reynolds has 38 years in astronomy and space sciences in the gamut of a high school and university instructor, planetarium and museum director, researcher, writer, and lecturer. He has received numerous recognition for his work, including the 1986 Florida State Teacher of the Year, Florida Teacher-in-Space Finalist, and the G. Bruce Blair Medal.
Reynolds received his AA from Florida Junior College, BA in Natural Sciences from Thomas Edison State College 1980, his master's degree in Science Education from the University of North Florida 1982, and an Ph.D. from the University of Florida in Science Education and Astronomy 1990.
Reynolds' astronomical research has been primarily focused on Solar System objects, as well as meteoritics. He has led expeditions around the world for numerous total solar eclipses, meteorite crater research, and meteorite recoveries. He worked with Meade Instruments in 2005 to develop, curate, and create Meade’s MeteoriteKit, a special set of meteorites, tektites, and impactites.
Reynolds has served as president of the Antique Telescope Society, on the Board of Directors of the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (ALPO), and chaired the Astronomical League’s individual Outreach Awards, which he initiated for the League. Reynolds has also served as chair or co-chair for several conferences, including the highly successful AstroCon 2004 held in Berkeley, California.