News feature on KOAT-TV about Dr. Eileen Ryan, director of the 2.4 meter telescope at Magdalena Ridge.

 

On March 20, KOAT-TV in Albuquerque showcased Dr. Eileen Ryan, director of the 2.4 meter telescope at the Magdalena Ridge Observatory, as a part of its Women’s History Month coverage.

In the interview, Dr. Ryan talks about her upbringing and love of science fiction and astronomy magazines as well as the discouragement she received from a teacher for her desire to go into science.

Ryan persisted, eventually earning a PhD in geosciences. Her current research involves a NASA- and NSF-funded Near-Earth Objects program.

In the interview, Ryan said, “So many times students, both male and female, have self-confidence issues in the sense that they think well, 'I don't know that' or 'I don't know this.' I like to be a role model for them that you don't have to be someone like a Super Einstein or a very different type of person from what they did themselves are to achieve goals in science and engineering. It's a fun job."

Ryan has also appeared on NM-PBS’s Science Central to promote STEM education and careers.