Latoya Grindley, Gleaner Writer
Professor Mercedes Richards - Contributed
"I want to be an astronomer when I grow up," is not something you often hear coming from a child. And, safe to say, this is one of the non-traditional careers that currently exist. However, astronomer, Professor Mercedes Richards is on a move to enlighten and add some excitement to the world of astronomy.
Professor Richards was recently awarded the Musgrave Gold Medal by the Institute of Jamaica for excellence in her field. An area she has been involved in since 1979, when she completed her master of science degree in astronomy.
Astronomy is the study of the universe and, according to Professor Richards, this includes the Earth, moon, planets, stars, galaxies and everything else in the sky. Because it is closely related to physics, astronomy is sometimes called astrophysics.
At the very tender age of 13, Professor Richards knew exactly which career path she wanted to pursue. And this she attributes to her parents and the activities they shared together. "Every three years, from the time I was six years old, our family travelled to New York to visit relatives and see the World's Fair or the Expo in Canada, and these experiences were valuable. At home, my father and I sat outside under the trees at night and marvelled at the wonder of the skies."
She also recalls her childhood days when she took long walks through the zoo at Hope Botanical Gardens with her father. "He showed me multiple varieties of plants. He taught me about the differences between the plants, and this marked my introduction to science."
Born in Jamaica, Professor Richards spent the first three years of her life in Vineyard Town and later moved to Mona Heights. She lived with both parents and a sister and brother. Now living in the United States, she migrated after completing her studies in Canada. "In 1977, I went to graduate school in Toronto. I was still in graduate school when I got married and he [my husband] later moved to the US, so that we could be closer. I moved there after completing my studies."
Truly love it
Doing something you truly love always brings a good feeling and gives you that extra push to continue. Professor Richards sees herself pursuing no other career at this time, as being an astronomer is where her passion lies. "I am always in awe when I look up at the sky. It is so beautiful. I also love the feeling inside me when I discover something new or learn something new. I am fortunate to get paid to do the things I enjoy." But, still there are challenges which put a strain on family life at times. "One of the challenges in being an astronomer is that we travel a lot, because we need to observe the sky with large telescopes that are all over the world. We also give lectures at other universities and attend conferences. So, the travelling is the hardest part of my work because it takes me away from my family."
As part of this astronomer's responsibilities, she has to give guest lectures at various universities. This, she says, is part of fulfilling her role as a Harlow Shapley Visiting Lecturer. "In 2004, the American Astronomical Society appointed me a Shapley Visiting Lecturer. This gives me the opportunity to travel to different universities to give public talks about my research. This is a special honour." Through these lectures, she is expected to bring life and excitement to the field of astronomy and astrophysics.
As well as being a Shapley Visiting Lecturer, she is also a Professor in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Pennsylvania (Penn) State University in the USA. "Right now, I am working on several research projects with my students at Penn State and also with astronomers and scientists in the US, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Russia. I work mostly on the computer and I contact my research partners by electronic mail."
Her family
This career-driven woman is married to Donald Richards, a professor of Statistics at Penn State University, they have two daughters who are currently studying science at the same university. With still very close connections to Jamaica, she dedicates time to visit. "I visit Jamaica about once every year to see my mother, my husband's mother, and many family members and friends." The recent award and visit to Jamaica, will always be memorable for her. "This is a great honour. I was completely surprised when I received the news and I am still in a bit of shock at the magnitude of the award. I am humbled and very grateful to the Institute of Jamaica for the recognition. It made me realise how much I owe to my parents, family, teachers, friends, and colleagues around the world. This visit will always be special to me because my mother, mother-in-law, family members and friends, attended and shared this immense joy with me."
latoya.grindley@gleanerjm.com.
Professor Mercedes Richards, recipient of a Musgrave Gold Medal. The annual Musgrave Medal award ceremony was held recently at the Institute of Jamaica. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
