In order to help us build our computational know-how, we are creating a ’Computer Guru’ position.

Grad students are eligible to hold this position for a term that lasts 1 semester.

Here's how it works:

Each semester, our astronomy group will vote on the computer topic we want to learn more about (e.g., IDL, how to set up a webpage, python, etc.). The guru will give a tutorial on this topic, say during Astrocoffee, and will be responsible for providing one-on-one support to the rest of the group for the semester. As an incentive, Computer Gurus will receive a small honorarium of 500 bucks!

After the semester, each student will be established as our local expert, and we hope this will increase the knowledge base of our entire group.

If you would like to be considered for next semester's Computer Guru, please contact Kelly Holley-Bockelmann and let her know your area of expertise.

This semester's Computer Guru is Deatrick Foster.  He is responsible for introducing you to the world of Macs -- which is especially helpful for the new students who've received Mac laptops!  Deatrick has already run two help sessions for new students and will do more later as the need arises.

If any of us have a burning Mac question (How do I set up the printer? What is Fink? What is Keynote? How do I open a .doc file on a Mac?), Deatick is your Guru! Contact deatrick.foster@vanderbilt.edu any time, day or night.