Jean Creighton, Director
I have always lived in cities where the lights tend to obscure the stars. This may be why I appreciate a Planetarium theater.
I was born in Toronto, Ontario and I grew up in Athens, Greece where my mother claims I showed a great interest in how stars form from the age of five. To understand better how the universe works I studied Physics (University of Athens). My honors thesis was on the planet Neptune, which spurred me to cross the Atlantic to get a masters degree in Astronomy (Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia) and a Ph.D. in Astrophysics (University of Waterloo).
From 1998-1999, I was involved in an infrared satellite called WIRE as a postdoctoral researcher at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Since September 1999, I have been teaching Astronomy at various levels at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and, in 2007, I became director of the UWM Manfred Olson Planetarium.
In 2014, I was selected by NASA to be an Airborne Astronomy Ambassador and to spend 20 hours in the stratosphere on SOFIA, the largest moving observatory in the world. In 2017, I was chosen for the University of Wisconsin System Regents Academic Staff Excellence Award. I am very proud to have shared the beauty and elegance of the cosmos with over 150,000 members of our community.
Victoria Robison, Assistant Director
It was a teacher’s enthusiasm that sparked my interest in physics and astronomy and led me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from UW-Milwaukee. I jumped at the chance to work at the UWM Planetarium while I was a student.
After graduating, I entered the field of mathematics and science education as a research coordinator and copyeditor. It is my pleasure to return to the Planetarium in 2018 as Assistant Director to share my passion for supporting exciting, meaningful, and accessible astronomy programs for all.
When I’m not daydreaming about the mysteries of the universe, I’m tending my garden, making art, playing music, and plotting my next travel destination.
Student Employees
Patrick Selep
Patrick is a returning student studying astrophysics with previous degrees and careers in engineering and computers. He volunteers with the Manfred Olson Planetarium at UWM and leads the stargazing programs. We have a 14” telescope on a robotic mount on top of the physics building. The urban location obscures most deep-sky objects but lends itself more to the kind of photometry that is required for exoplanet transit observations. During the day he likes to bike, sail and kayak among other things.
Jack Koshkin (Spring 2022– )
Jack is a Music Composition/Technology and Anthropology double major at UWM, and works as a Presenter for Planetarium shows- from public crowds to birthday parties! He’s long had a passion for astronomy, and first applied to the team because he remembered seeing Dr. Creighton do a show when he was just 10 years old! Outside of UWM, you can catch him playing with his funk-and-prog-rock band Fightin’ Bob!
Leah Nolte (Fall 2022 – )
I have always loved space and astronomy; I am hoping that this job will allow me to learn more about our wonderful planetarium and the universe! In my free time, I like to paint and bake. I am honored to help educate and inform the community about the planetarium—it is such a neat place!
Ashley (Fall 2023 – )
Hi! I’m Ashley (she/they). I am a sophomore at UW-Milwaukee majoring in Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies (with a focus on Advertising & PR) and I am a Communications Associate for the Manfred Olson Planetarium. I like to play drums, sing, draw, read, write, and listen to music in my free time. Fun astronomical fact about me: my favorite constellation is the Big Dipper!
Joie Mraz (Spring 2024 – )
Joie is a sophomore at UWM majoring in Biological Sciences. She enjoys music, crafting, and learning new science facts. Joie has a cat named Ruru who she loves very dearly and a fun fact about her is that she plays flute and electric guitar.
Xander Strube (Spring 2024 – )
I’m Xander, I use He/Him pronouns, and I’m a Film Major at UWM with aspirations to direct my own projects in the future. I grew up just outside Madison WI in the town of Mount Horeb. I’m also an amateur Comic Book Artist, Mixed Martial Artist, LEGO connoisseur, and an avid admirer of the natural world (or I should say “worlds”).
Maya Lopez (Fall 2023– )
Hi, my name is Maya! I’m majoring in Design & Visual Communication, minoring in Music, and earning a certificate in Digital Arts & Culture. I am part of the Design and Production team with the UWM Planetarium. I love working at the planetarium and learning cool stuff about space! Outside of school, I love going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and watching anime!
Estella Alvarez
Hi, I’m Estrella! I’m majoring in Design & Visual Communications. I’m from Milwaukee and spent a decade living in Chicago, which I also consider home. I’ve always been enamored by the stars, so I’m especially happy to have been named after them – and even happier that I get to contribute to the planetarium! I love art, gaming, and boxing, and I have two cats, Snoopy and Oliver, who I love dearly.
Elaina Hatley (Fall 2024– )
Hi, I’m Elaina! I am a Criminal Justice and Psychology major and I’m in my second year here at UWM! I have a great connection with the stars as my family and I would go camping and observe them during the summer when I was younger. I love watching movies and TV shows. I’m also big into crafting and love to make all sorts of new things!