Keynote Speaker

Dr. Connie Walker

Scientist, NOIRLab

Dr. Connie Walker has been a scientist at the National Science Foundation’s NOIRLab, the US national center for optical infrared astronomy, for 22 years. Prior to NOIRLab, she worked as an aerospace electrical engineer. Dr. Walker is actively involved with light pollution issues on the ground and in space and coordinates NOIRLab’s Office of Observatory Site Protection. She has held leadership roles on dark skies protection within the American Astronomical Society, the International Astronomical Union (IAU), and the International Dark-Sky Association. In 2020 and 2021, she co-chaired four conferences focusing on the impacts of satellite constellations and artificial light at night: SATCON 1 & 2 and Dark & Quiet Skies 1 & 2. Dr. Walker is one of two IAU observers for meetings of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and its Scientific and Technical Subcommittee. In 2022, she was appointed co-director of the new IAU Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference.