Robert Thacker

Background

About Robert Thacker

While currently the Graduate Coordinator for the SMU Astronomy program, I was formerly the Director of Science Outreach at Saint Mary's University. Together with a great group of colleagues, we helped increase science enrollments at SMU over 20% compared to 2017 levels. With over 20 years of academic experience, I have developed a broad and deep knowledge of astronomy, as well as skills in data analysis, strategic planning and project leadership. I have also been recognized as a Canada Research Chair (Tier II) and appointed by peers to be the Chair of the Mid-Term Review of Canadian Astronomy, which advised the federal government and other agencies on strategic investments in the field ($600M+ in the past ten years). I’ve been recognized for these efforts with both research and service awards, as well as being appointed to co-lead the government relations side of Canadian astronomy on two separate occasions. I've also been the Canadian business delegate to the International Astronomical Union. My career path has been surprisingly diverse, from working in derivatives trade support at JP Morgan, to pursuing a PhD at the University of Alberta, to holding post-doctoral positions at UC Berkeley, McMaster University, and Queen’s University. I have held 27 different administrative and leadership roles from institutional to national organizations, such as Chair of Astronomy and Physics, Acting Associate Dean of Student Affairs to President of the Canadian Astronomical Society. These activities coincided with 14 years of Board experience for various nonprofit organizations. Additionally, I have been involved in faculty union activities, including being the Lead Negotiator on two collective agreements. Through all these experiences, I have learned to adapt, collaborate, and innovate in different settings and challenges. I’ve become known as someone that can distill complex and seemingly undigestible ideas into tasty information morsels, while using this ability to advocate and negotiate highly successfully.