Today we’d like to introduce you to Derek Demeter.
Hi Derek, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always be fascinated with the Universe ever since I could remember. My passion accelerated after I visited the John Young Planetarium at the original Orlando Science Center. I also visited the planetarium I work at now back during a 5th grade field trip while attending Red Bug Elementary School here in Seminole County. At 13, I started to volunteer at the Crosby Observatory at the current Orlando Science Center and did that for over 6 years. I chose Seminole Community College (Now Seminole State) over UCF to start my college career and I applied for a student worker position at the planetarium as my I became the planetarium director in 2007 while finishing up my degrees at the University of Central Florida. It’s been an amazing adventure ever since!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Yes and no. Yes as in I am very thankful to have known what I wanted to do since I was little and had a family and friends that supported me along the way. No as in I came from a family that couldn’t afford college and I had to work my way to where I am today. I had to pay for my college tuition by scholarships and when they ran out, I continued school part time while working full time to pay for my college education.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the director of the Emil Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State College. I create and present live and immersive planetarium programs that are viewed by schools, college students, and the community at large. I also go out to venues all over the world and present astronomy talks, telescope viewing events, and night sky tours. I am also a world renowned astrophotographer and my works have been featured by NASA, Astronomy Magazine, and featured in art galleries all over the nation. I have created close to 50 or so planetarium programs, all done live and interactive. I am most proud of this because we are one of the few places that do this. I believe it is the best way to connect with you audience and it gives them such a unique experience. It provides a chance for us to engage with them and help them navigate their adventure through the cosmos. I am also most proud of going out to places such as rural communities that normally don’t have access to such programming and bringing a telescope or talk to them about astronomy and space. Many people in these communities have never looked into a telescope or have someone talk to them and it means so much to them. You also never know when the next big scientist will come from.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I was a opera singer with the Orlando Opera. I also was part of the Orlando Chorale and have sung since I was in middle school. I am a fossil hunter and rockhound and go collect fossils and minerals from all around the world. I am currently building a museum at the college that will feature many of my finds.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.seminolestate.edu/planet
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seminoleplanet
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seminoleplanet
Image Credits
Derek Demeter
