Baranec, Christoph

Christoph Baranec is an optical scientist and astronomer at the Institute for Astronomy at the University of Hawai'i. He is interested in pushing the current limits of adaptive optics technology (that mitigate the image blurring effects of the atmosphere) to shorter wavelengths, wider fields, and greater sky coverage, with the ultimate goal of broadening our understanding of the universe through high-acuity imaging. He is the principal investigator of the first fully automated adaptive optics system, Robo-AO, and is currently developing an upgraded version of the system for the University of Hawai'i 2.2-m telescope atop Maunakea. Baranec is integrating the PDP inquiry pedagogy through his lab's applied engineering and research activities, including the engineering of new adaptive optics technology, techniques and systems. Undergraduate students, graduate students and postdoctoral scholars will be trained in effective and inclusive teaching strategies, and by teaching the skills they are learning professionally, they will reinforce their own understanding.