The Friends Select Science Department invited John Durning, the Deputy Project Manager for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), to speak to students in each age cohort at Friends Select on October 6th.
On December 25, 2021, NASA launched the James Webb Space Telescope, which they describe as a highly sensitive instrument that detects long wavelengths of light to provide information about our universe. According to NASA, “Webb will examine every phase of cosmic history: from the first luminous glows after the Big Bang to the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets to the evolution of our own solar system.”
As Deputy Project Manager, John Durning’s principal responsibility was leading the software and hardware development for the JWST. Additionally, he collaborated with NASA’s international partners and represented the project domestically and internationally. Durning has received four Special Act or Service awards and 14 Performance Awards with NASA since 1991.
The science department hopes that Durning’s visit will help further the department’s goal of supporting students’ scientific interests and offering new perspectives about being a scientist. Monica Higgins, Upper School Chemistry Teacher and the new Head of the Science Department said, “…our main goal is to spark curiosity in students and to give students an opportunity to make meaningful connections between what they are learning in their science classes and the larger world – the universe even! – around them.”
Monica suggested that Durning is not likely to be the last scientific expert to visit Friends: “Visits from experts help the science department carry out its mission to inspire students to become creative problem-solvers, informed global citizens, and lifeline learners,” Monica said. “… Experts like John Durning [can] share first-hand experience and expertise and make this incredible science approachable and exciting for our students of all ages.”
