From Fukuoka, Japan
Hobbies: gardening, DIYer |
- What is your job
at Subaru Telescope?
I run the operation center. My job is to find solutions to
problems with the telescope as they arise during observations.
I give suggestions to the night crew and talk to specialists
as necessary. My priority is to keep information flowing smoothly
and accurately between the different groups of people. That
keeps telescope running: day crew, operators, support scientists
and other staff.
- What requires
the most care in your job?
Each worker has different motivations. I try to create an
environment that they are able to enjoy and do their best
work.
- What is your field
of study?
I did optical observation of young stars on the main sequence
when I was in graduate school. I observed Herbig-Haro objects
and emission nebulae to study their states of motion and evolution.
I have been very interested in observational instruments since
I was in Kyoto University. I used to stay over night at school
building a multi object photometer and observed variable stars
with it at a 60-centimeter telescope in Nara. At Subaru Telescope,
I have taken part in designing a control system computer for
5 years. This computer is still working as an archive system.
Data from observational instruments are stored in the computer,
and then reorganized and put into an archive. I am making
use of the experiences in my current job.
- How do you spend
your time off?
I enjoy gardening, carpentry, and playing with my child.
From Tokyo, Japan
Hobbies: Tennis, tea ceremony |
- How did you find
this job?
I wanted to work near my husband who works at an observatory
next door, and I had carrier as a secretary for a long time
in Japan. So I sent a resume to Subaru Telescope when I saw
this job being advertised.
- What is your job
at Subaru?
I help run Subaru’s open use program. Specifically,
I manage all schedules for Subaru staff members and visitors.
I am responsible for managing and keeping visiting
astronomers schedule data up-to-date, including reservations and arrangement
of transportation and lodging accommodations. I really care
about communication with observers by e-mail and phone for
smooth operations.
- What is the most
crucial part of your secretarial work?
The basic idea of a secretary’s work is you do more
than you are asked. We don’t have any manual, so the
decision you make is based on your experience. Dedication
is the most important aspect of my work. I want to do something
good for Subaru.
- What is the best
part of working at Subaru?
It’s fun! It’s wonderful to be working at a place
where everybody is confronting the mystery of nature day by
day. As an organization, we care for the telescope as if it
were our child.
- How do you spend
your time off?
I enjoy spending time with my dog. I also take care of my
garden.
Operation Center
James Hopkins |
From California and Hawaii
Hobbies: playing guitar, soft ball, golf, fishing,
fixing things |
- What is your job
at Subaru?
My official work title is
the motor pool / transportation technician. My main job
is to maintain and repair all vehicles in the Subaru facility.
I could say I am a car doctor. I also support employees
with driving skills; train and provide information for safe
driving. New employees need to take a drivers’ test
with me, and drive up to the summit. I observe whether they
are a safe and responsible driver or not. So far, I’ve
never had to fail anybody! I help my supervisor’s
work with the vehicle reservation system.
-
What is your work background?
My father was a car fanatic, so he took me to car races
since I was little. I was involved in helping him with different
car projects. I like automobiles in general. It seems a
natural progression for me to become a maintenance professional.
I wanted to know how to fix a car when I broke it. Then,
I went to a school and learned the basics about auto repairing
and how they work, and so forth. I worked in garages and
shops before I came here.
-
How do you spend your time off?
I do things around my house. I work on my car. Some
weekends, I play golf, or I go to the beach and stay there
to relax with my family and friends.
- What advice would
you give to people who want to find a job like yours?
Like any other job, you work hard and set attainable goals
yourself. Anything is possible if you believe you can do
it. I think it takes a little bit of luck, but for the most
part, you make your luck with you’re work ethics and
how you go about doing things. If you work hard, good things
usually happen. It is just a positive attitude.
