Expertise:
Mr. Geller's expertise is in astronomy.
Education Degrees:
Doctor of Education, George Mason University (2005); Master of Arts, George Mason University (1992); Bachelor of Science, University of the State of New York (1983); Associate of Science, Northern Virginia Community College (1981)
Affiliations Awards:
Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society; Northern Virginia Astronomy Club; American Astronomical Society; American Geophysical Union, American Association of University Professors; American Association for the Advancement of Science; American Association of Physics Teachers; National Association of Geoscience Teachers; National Science Teachers Association; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; Society of Exploration Geophysicists; Former President, Potomac Geophysical Society
Career Achievements:
10-Year Service Award, George Mason University (2010); Award for Planetarium Assessment, Arlington County Public Schools (2009); Award, Coalition for Space Exploration (2009); Two-Time Recipient, Telly Awards for Participation in a Series of Educational Video Pod Casts (2009); Faculty Member of the Year Award, George Mason University (2008); Associate Chairman, Physics and Astronomy Department, George Mason University (2006-2008)
If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?:
Mr. Geller would like to have lunch with Albert Einstein, who is not only a premier scientist but also a philosopher.
Number Of Years In Profession:
18
Number Of Years In Current Position:
4
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
He attributes his success to his hard work and dedication.
Extended Bio Profile:
Mr. Geller has been teaching physics and astronomy for over 15 years at George Mason University, where he operates the Mason Observatory and StarLab Portable Planetarium. He designed, developed, organized and obtained funding for the construction of the University's observatory, to be completed with the installation of a Ritchey-Chretien telescope in 2010. He works with Midnight Rider Productions as science advisor and editor for Astrocast Television. In 2008, he published a book on astrobiology curriculum development and later created the graduate course, Astronomy for Teachers, backed by Virginia Earth Science Collaborative. He was a lecturer, operator and weekend manager of the Albert Einstein Planetarium at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC for five years. After receiving a research grant, he became the principal investigator for the Office of Naval Research, developing geographic information systems for the restoration of Kahoolawe, Hawaii and researching the Arctic region. He also oversaw the development of multimedia CD-ROMs for education and public outreach. He has over six years of experience in designing, developing and calibrating remote sensing systems. He also has experience in CD-ROM multimedia, website development, artificial neural network and microprocessor applications, computer simulation and modeling, and analog and digital electronics subsystems. He has also served as a site manager for the installation of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and satellite communications systems at a military communications center after training with the United States Army Corps of Engineers. He has given public speeches and educational demonstrations on astronomy, astrobiology and the search for life on Mars. He has worked for the CD-ROM development for global environmental change and for GIS education, artificial neural network application development for mass spectrometry and remote sensing, flash lamp thermonuclear simulator development, automatic location detector development for special test rail cars, investigated evidence for gamma ray emission from SS433. He has been an instructor of physics, astronomy, astrobiology and integrated science. He was an award winning tour guide and speaker for NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. He also conducted radio astronomy research studies of CygnusX-3, and investigated validity of clinical enzyme test for pulmonary embolism and heart disease.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Overseeing and Managing Operations at the University Observatory, Conducting Research, Teaching at the Undergraduate and Graduate Levels
Education Certifications:
Certification in College Teaching, State of Virginia (2002)
Awards/Honors:
Two-Time Recipient, Bronze Telly Award (2009); Faculty Member of the Year Award, George Mason University (2008); Marquis Who’s Who in the World (1999-2008); Marquis Who’s Who in Science and Engineering (1995-2008); Marquis Who’s Who in American Education (2004-2006); Individual Impact Award, George Mason University (2005); Five-Year Service Award, George Mason University (2005); Appreciation Award, Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (2005); Appreciation Award, Virginia Academy of Science (2003-2005); Appreciation Award, Fairfax County Public Schools (2003-2005); Marquis Who’s Who in the East (1995-2005); Appreciation Award, Thomas Jefferson High School (2004); Appreciation Award, Fairfax County Park Authority (2004); Alumni Achievement Award, Excelsior College (1993); Marquis Who’s Who in Finance and Industry (1995-2001); Commonwealth Fellowship, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (1992); Appreciation Award, United States House of Representatives Page Program (1992); Volunteer Service Award, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (1989-1992); Appreciation Award, National Space Club (1991)