Biographical Sketches

Executive Director

Chuck Simms

Wentzville, MO 63385

BA Computer Science, University of Missouri - Columbia

Chuck is an accomplished amateur astronomer, and has devoted significant time and effort to share astronomy views with the public through outreach. He has been a member of Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri since 2008 and is currently the Equipment Chair for ASEM as well as Executive Director. Chuck is currently a board member for the International Dark Sky Association - Missouri Chapter, and he is also an active member of the International Library Telescope Committee.

Board Members

Dr. Erika Gibb

St Charles, MO 63301

BS, University of Arizona, Flagstaff, AZ

PhD, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY

Erika Gibb is a professional astronomer who relocated to St. Charles County with her husband in 2005. She is currently a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Missouri, St. Louis. Her hobbies include crafts, reading, and she is an avid gardener.

Stacey Thater

New Melle, MO

Stacy teaches astronomy and physics at St Charles Community College. He was a founding Board member of AfA, and has previously served as the Executive Director of the Alliance for Astronomy.

Marvin Stewart

Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368

Marv has been a long-time member of ASEM and has actively engaged in outreach.

Wayne Clark

Webster Groves, MO 63119

Wayne has been influential in the start of AfA and has been an ASEM member since its' inception as well. He is also a long-time member of SLAS and has invested several decades in Astronomy, particularly in the field of variable stars. Wayne is a proud member of AAVSO.

Randy Gettman

St Charles County, MO

Randy is a recently retired principal from the Fort Zumwalt School District and greatly appreciates the efforts of the club to fuel our fourth graders interest in astronomy. He looks forward to being more involved and helping to fulfill the clubs mission to share the stars.

Gene Lindsay

St Charles County, MO

BA Chemistry, Culver-Stockton College, Canton, MO

MA Physical Science, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI

Gene is presently a Professor Emeritus at St Charles Community College. He began teaching at St Charles Community College in 1988 where he taught a course in Introductory Astronomy. He has taken several interesting short courses/workshops in astronomy at the University of Hawaii (Keck), Soccorro, NM (VLA), Green Bank, WV and CLEA workshop in Gettysburg, PA. He has organized many public and school "star parties" over the years and has realized a great interest in astronomy from St Charles citizens. Other hobbies include flying Radio Control gliders, bike riding and amateur radio.

Meghan Aydelott

St Charles County, MO

BA Education, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana

MS Education Administration, Lindenwood University

Meghan is presently the science content leader for the Wentzville School District. She is looking forward to helping the Alliance for Astronomy with outreach efforts for all students in St Charles County.