Brent Studer has taught Introduction to Astronomy at Kirkwood Community College for nearly 20 years and has been interested in space and all things astronomical for as long as he can remember. His earliest recollections are of watching the Gemini missions and the original Star Trek episodes as a young boy. Eventually he learned the constellations by constructing flash cards (using black construction paper and white ink, no less) and spent quite a few nights with his head tilted back looking at the inky skies of North Iowa.
Continuing his life-long interest, he earned a graduate degree in Astronomy after studying both Physics and Astronomy as an undergraduate at The University of Iowa where he was privileged to take two classes under American space pioneer James Van Allen. When not involved in astronomical pursuits, he enjoys single malt whiskies with friends, the music and movies of Frank Sinatra, BMWs, classic movies, and hanging out in local coffee shops.
He’s proud that he’s able to explain the origin of the 3K cosmic microwave background radiation as easily as he can quote the lyrics of Johnny Mercer.