254 Paseo Las Veraneras
Escazu, Costa Rica 2060
+506-7122-0716
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leroy@natural-physics.com
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LeRoy Davis Larry, Jr.
Astrophysicist, Professor
RESEARCH
2014 to 2016
University of Costa Rica
San Jose, Costa Rica
CINESPA (Center for Space Research):
Detection of gamma-ray emission from galactic supernova remnants (SNRs) to determine the unknown origin of cosmic rays.
Participation in the Planetarium of San Jose Community Science Education Outreach Program in Astronomy
2011 to 2012
Ancient Tomorrow
Los Angeles, California, USA
Resident Astrophysicist:
Investigating the correlation of geographical and astronomical orientations of Pre-Incan Andean cultures, consisting of Bolivian and Peruvian archaeological sites, and involving lunar, solar and stellar alignments.
1992 to 1997
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
Pasadena, California, USA
Assistant Science Coordinator, Research Assistant:
Reduced and analyzed spectra data from the nebula M17 and other HII regions to determine their observed time-variability.
Designed and implemented observations and calibrations for the Galileo Plasma (PLS) and Plasma Wave (PWS) Subsystems instrumentation onboard the Galileo space probe to Jupiter.
Devised requirements on the Galileo ground data system, with particular emphasis in the area of near-real-time science.
1988 to 1990
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
Huntsville, Alabama, USA
Research Assistant:
Assisted in the development of the Differential Ion Flux Probe (DIFP), which is an instrument capable of determining the flow direction, current density, temperature, and energy of ion streams surrounding the Space Shuttle as it orbits the Earth.
1981 to 1987
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Batavia, Illinois, USA
Research Assistant, Summer Intern:
Analyzed the disk-and-washer and side-coupled resonant cavity structures, using the SUPERFISH computer program, for optimization and implementation into the linear accelerator.
Conducted measurements of the propagation factor, and impedance-based cable length matching, of the coaxial cable used in the debuncher and accumulator low level rf system, at a frequency of approximately 53 Mhz.
Generated and analyzed computer simulated data of the p-west high intensity incident beam and electron yield.
Configured and built an end-cap to close the lithium lens opening, forming a 10 GHz resonant cavity for remote monitoring of the beryllium window for structural failure within the linear accelerator.
Developed a computer program to track the betatron oscillations of protons in the booster synchrotron.
Teaching
2014 to 2016
University of Costa Rica
San Jose, Costa Rica
Professor of Physics
Conducting freshman physics laboratory courses in English, the first of such to be done in the history of the university.
2012 to 2014
Washington School/Arandu School
Gauchipelin, Escazu, Costa Rica
Mathematics and Science Instructor, High School Principal
Taught algebra, trigonometry, geometry, calculus, life sciences, earth sciences, physical sciences, chemistry and physics.
2011 to 2012
Ocean Charter School
Venice, California, USA
Physics Instructor, Mathematics and Science Teaching Assistant
Conducted after school mathematics and introductory physics program for Special Needs students.
2010 to 2012
Beverly Hills Unified School District
Beverly Hills, California, USA
Physics Tutor, General Science Tutor, Mathematics Tutor
Tutored Advanced Placement (AP) physics, science, and mathematics.
2011
Hollywood Tutoring and Testing Center, Hollywood, California, USA
Mathematics and General Sciences Instructor
Taught mathematics and science in the General Education Development (GED) and Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Examinations Preparation Courses.
2011
Fusion Academy
Woodland Hills, California, USA
Science Tutor, Mathematics Tutor, Mentor
Tutored science and mathematics to gifted Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD)/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) middle and high school students.
1991 to 1992
Muir High School, Pasadena Pasadena Unified School District,
Pasadena, California, USA
Science Instructor, Mathematics Instructor, Self-Empowerment Guidance Counselor
Taught science and mathematics in the Enrichment Laboratory Program, a government-funded program geared towards working with gang-affiliated inner-city high school students.
1987
Abramson Senior High School
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Mathematics Instructor
Taught Algebra I, Algebra II, Trigonometry, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus in the Gifted Students Program.
1986
Creighton University
Omaha, Nebraska, USA
Physics Instructor
Taught Introductory Physics and Physics with Calculus in the Upward Bound Program.
1983 to 1984
Tulane University
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Physics Teaching Assistant
Conducted physics laboratory classes.
Education
1986 - 1987; 1983 - 1984
Tulane University
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
1980 - 1982
Southern University
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
1987
M.S. Physics, Tulane University, USA
1982
B.S. Physics, Southern University, USA
Technical
1998 to 2009
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems/TRW
Dominguez Hills, California, USA
Software Test Engineer, Secret Clearance:
- Developed test procedures to verify the Force XXI Battle Command – Brigade and Below (FBCB2) software requirements.
- Conducted formal acceptance tests of FBCB2 software for the government customer to determine functionality.
- Served as manager for the production of the FBCB2 Software Test Description (STD), Software Test Verification Matrix (STVM), and Software Test Report (STR) government CDRL documents.
- Participated in real-time exercises and stress testing of the FBCB2 operating system.
- Wrote the initial Software Test Plan (STP) documents for the Intelligent Munitions System (IMS) and the Advanced Positioning Navigation and Tracking the Future Force (POSNAV) programs, which was instrumental in both programs being awarded their first government proposals.
- Completed training in Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, Software Engineering, System Engineering Integration and Test (SEIT), DTD S/W Policies and Process, ISO/AS9100, and Capability Maturity Model (CMMI) Awareness and Assessment Readiness.
- Built test plans and procedures to validate the Integrated System Control (ISYSCON) software requirements.
1997 to 1998
Hughes Space and Communications
El Segundo, California, USA
Software Test Engineer
- Tested and validated the ground software used for the in-orbit operation of the Hughes HS 601 HP series of satellite.
Science Education Outreach Activities
Presentations:
“Successful Outreach Results of the National Workshop on Astronomy for Teachers: A Global Outreach Template for Our Global Community”
United Nations/International Astronautical Federation (IAF) Workshop on Space Technology for Socio-Economic Benefits “Integrated Space Technologies and Applications for a Better Society” in conjunction with the International Astronautical Congress (IAC)
Hilton Guadalajara
Room Oceania
Ave. de la Rosas
Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
September 23, 2016
“Where is outer space?”
“How can we view outer space from the Earth?”
“How do we get to outer space?”
“How does the environment of outer space differ from the one on Earth?”
“What is in outer space?”
Guest Speaker, Professional Trainer
National Workshop on Astronomy for Teachers
Centre for Space Research and Applications (CESRA)
Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
Ondo State, Nigeria
June 22, 2016
“Proposal to Create an Office for Outreach Activities on the UN-OOSA Platform”
Delegate from Costa Rica in the Role of Advisor
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UN-OOSA)
Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) 59th Conference
Vienna, Austria
June 15, 2016
“Light from the Galactic Plane”
Night of Stars Program
Dedicated to the International Year of Light
Planetarium of San Jose
University of Costa Rica, San
Jose, Costa Rica
November 28, 2015
“Natural Physics!”
Planetarium of San Jose
University of Costa Rica, San
Jose, Costa Rica
November 5, 2015
“Mathematics: Cultural
Connection to our Past, Present, and Future”
Keynote Speaker, Young Black Scholars
Rolfe Hall, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
November 23, 1991
“The Tracking of the Betatron Oscillations of Protons in a Synchrotron”
Invited Speaker, Physics Department Symposium
Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
September 17, 1981
“The Tracking of the Betatron Oscillations of Protons in a Synchrotron”
Fermilab Summer Internship for Minority Students in Science and Technology
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Batavia, Illinois, USA
August 11, 1981
Skills
Observing Nature
100%
Asking the Right Questions
100%
Scientific Method
100%
Deductive Reasoning
100%
Analytical Logic
100%
Communicating Complex Topics Simply
100%
Entertaining Educational Presentations
100%
About Me
My phrase is: “I have always been interested in way out there and way back then!” This led me to research in astrophysics and the science and technology of ancient cultures and civilizations. “Magic” is science and technology not yet understood. Our amazing world of Nature surrounds us with wonders that are the keys to our present knowledge, and holds mysteries not yet discovered that will be the keys to what we will learn in the far future and to what we have forgotten from the distant past.
“Natural Physics” is my journey of adventure, exploration, and discovery – join me!
Contact
- www.natural-physics.com
- leroy@natural-physics.com
- +506-7122-0716
Wumi Alabi
Assistant Director (Scientific/Technical)
African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in English (ARCSSTE-E)
Obafemi Awolowo University Campus
PMB 019
Ile-Ife, Nigeria
mowumialabi@yahoo.com
mowumialabi@yahoo.com
Miguel Araya
CINESPA (Center for Space Research)
Department of Physics
University of Costa Rica
Montes de Oca
San Jose, Costa Rica 2060
miguel.araya@ucr.ac.cr
miguel.araya@ucr.ac.cr
Lela Taliashvili
Head, CINESPA (Center for Space Research)
Director, Planetarium of San Jose
Department of Physics
University of Costa Rica
Montes de Oca
San Jose, Costa Rica 2060
lela.taliashvili@cinespa.ucr.ac.cr
lela.taliashvili@cinespa.ucr.ac.cr
Natural Physics
- +506-7122-0716
- leroy@natural-physics.com
-
254 Paseo Las Veraneras
Escazu, Costa Rica 2060
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