Last updated Dec 21, 2011

Irene Antonenko

197 Fairview Ave.
Toronto, ON M6P 3A6
CANADA
phone: 416-604-7522
irene.antonenko@utoronto.ca

Education

1999 Ph.D. Geological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI U.S.A. Thesis: Volumes of cryptomare deposits on the western limb of the Moon: Implications for lunar basaltic volcanism.
1995 M.Sc. Geological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI U.S.A. Thesis: Criteria for the detection of lunar cryptomaria.
1992 B.App.Sc. Geological Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON CANADA. Thesis: Iron migration in silicate glasses. Graduated first in class of 20 students.
1989 B.Sc. Astronomy and Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON CANADA. Thesis: Identifying higher order periodicity in variable stars.


Professional Appointments

2008-
2011
Postdoctoral Fellow/CLRN Coordinator
University of Western Ontario, London, ON

Conducted research on the surface morphology and subsurface stratigraphy of the Moon, using remote sensing methods and data fusion techniques. Worked on 4 CSA projects through contracts with MDA, providing science context and recommendations for planetary mission goals, design, and instrumentation, as well as science support during an analogue field deployment. Planned and operated mission control activities for a lunar analogue deployment at the Mistastin impact structure (Labrador, Canada) and analyzed mission results. Presented findings in 10 conference presentations, 11 contract reports, and 3 journal publications (2 submitted). Coordinated the activities of the Canadian Lunar Research Network (CLRN).

2001-
2008
Staff Scientist/Consultant
Planetary Institute of Toronto, Toronto, ON

Provided consulting services on topics including visualization of data (numerical, image, or GIS), remote sensing methods, and multi/ hyperspectral analysis. Conducted independent scientific research on surface and subsurface processes on the Moon. Reported on findings in 2 client reports, 4 conference presentations, and 1 journal paper.

2006-
2008
Quality Assurance Coordinator
Geosoft Inc., Toronto, ON

Developed 12 test plans for geospatial imagery software: experimenting with a variety of data types, exploring software reactions to stressors, and modeling innovative solutions. Worked with integrated development teams to design, shape, test, and document 6 product innovations. Reported and tracked over 200 defects.

2003-
2004
Lecturer
University of Toronto, Department of Geology, Toronto, ON

Taught 6 different university level courses, a total of 14 times; designed and developed course curriculum, prepared all related materials (lectures, notes, assignments, examinations, web pages, reading packages, etc), supervised student research, and evaluated student performance. Presented lectures to classes of various sizes (ranging from 15 to 500 students). Hired and managed 2-6 person teams of teaching assistants. Handled outreach activities for the department, including interviews with the media. Maintained an independent research program, presenting 2 conference posters.

2002-
2003
Post-Doctoral Research Associate
University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB

Conducted research into the analysis and compression of hyperspectral mineral spectra, for planetary mission applications. Explored aspects of these that would lend themselves to automation. Produced a manual on the software to be used for such applications. Presented findings in a conference poster and client report.

1999-
2001
Science/Community Liaison
SAIC General Sciences Corporation, Beltsville, MD

Provided science and community outreach for the SeaWiFS and SIMBIOS Projects at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center; responded to over 100 science/community questions, monitored Earth satellite data on a daily basis, attended 10 conferences, organized 3 meetings, maintained project web pages, developed 3 educational products, and presented 2 talks to teachers, scientists, and general public. Conducted research on applications of multispectral remote sensing data for Earth hazard and coastal monitoring, and surface studies of the Moon. Reported research results in 5 conference presentations and 1 conference proceedings paper.

1998-
1997
Assistant Lecturer, Lab Assistant, and Web Designer
Department of Geology, University of Toronto

Assisted professors with 2 introductory geology courses. Organized and presented 3 lectures, graded assignment and exam, designed and maintained web pages, assisted with the lab section. Created 2 assignments using recently acquired data that allowed students to apply concepts learned through lectures and textbook. Conducted independent research on subsurface studies of the Moon, using multispectral remote sensing data, and reported findings in 2 conference presentations.

1992-
1997
Graduate Assistant/Research Fellow
Department of Geological Sciences, Brown University

Conducted research on the surface morphology and subsurface stratigraphy of the Moon; compiled criteria for the identification and determination of cryptomaria (hidden lunar lava deposits), using high-resolution panchromatic images and analysis of multispectral data, as part of the Clementine UVVIS Multispectral Camera team. Performed experiments at NASA-Johnson Space Center to identify the effects of cratering on substrate excavation. Worked on the Galileo Imaging Team, assessing the nature of small craters on Ganymede. Presented results in 8 conference presentations and 1 journal publication. Assisted professors with 3 introductory geology courses; conducted laboratory section; graded assignments, labs, and exams; presented 1 lecture, created and modified 5 assignments to supplement lectures and labs.

Summer
1991
Research Intern
Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston, TX

Worked with a Scanning Electron Microscope to study the morphology and occurrence of native iron spherules in lunar glasses, under the supervision of David McKay at the NASA Johnson Space Centre. Presented findings at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference.

Summer
1990
Field Assistant
CRA Explorations Pty., Perth, Australia

Assisted with sampling, drilling, and computer analysis of remote sensing data at various exploration camps, prospecting for diamonds, uranium, and gold.


Honours and Awards

2001 NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Group Achievement Award, SeaWiFS/SIMBIOS Team.
1994 Elected to Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society.
1992 Brown Graduate Fellowship, received for good scholarship ($50,000).
1991 Edith Tyrell Award, received through University of Toronto for outstanding scholarship ($1000).
1990-92 Cominco Scholarship, industry sponsored award based on high scholarship ($2000).
1990 Homestake Scholarship, industry sponsored award based on high scholarship ($1000).
1989-92 Women's Association of Mining in Canada Scholarship, received through University of Toronto, based on financial need and scholarship ($3000).
1989 Burge-Connell Award, received through University of Toronto for outstanding scholarship ($2000).


Research Grants and Support

Sep 2010 – Mar 2012 Co-Investigator, Canadian Space Agency, Exploration Prototyping.
  • Project title: Mars Exploration Science Rover ($6,000,000/$75,000).
  • Project title: Lunar Exploration Light Rover ($11,000,000/$80,000).
  • July 2010 – Mar 2012 Co-Investigator, Canadian Space Agency, Analogue Mission.
  • Project title: Impacts and Ice: A lunar sample return mission to the South Pole-Aitken Basin ($815,038). Principal Investigator: Gordon Osinski.
  • Jan 2009 – Mar 2010 Co-Investigator, Canadian Space Agency Exploration Program.
  • Project title: Moon mobility system: Canadian contribution to the Manned Lunar Mission ($9000,000). Principal Investigator: Nadeem Ghafoor.
  • Project title: A Canadian science lander for the International Lunar Network (ILN) ($450,000). Principal Investigator: Frank Teti.


  • Research Endeavours

    Surface morphology and stratigraphy of solid surface planetary bodies: Change and hazard monitoring using remote sensing satellite data: Preparation and planning for future planetary exploration:

    Teaching Activities

    Fall
    Fall
    2004
    2003
    GLG100F
    GLG100F
    Elementary Mineralogy, University of Toronto, Department of Geology, Instructor, 26 Lecture hours, enrollment 180
    - elementary course on popular mineralogy, designed for non-science majors
    - introduced lab component to course, in order to provide hands-on experience
    - prepared course reading package from selected texts and wrote supplements as needed
     
    Summer
    Spring
    Summer
    Spring
    2004
    2004
    2003
    2003
    GLG110S
    GLG110S
    GLG110S
    GLG110S
    Introductory Geology, University of Toronto, Department of Geology, Instructor, 26 Lecture hours, enrollment 150
    - introductory course on geology and Earth processes, predominantly for non-scientists
    - engaged students with examples that show the relevance of geology to our daily lives
    - developed mapping assignments and re-introduced laboratory component to the course
    - ran a one-day field trip to the Don Valley Brick Works, for on-site learning
     
    Summer
    Summer
    Spring
    2004
    2003
    2003
    GLG205S
    GLG205S
    GLG205S
    Confronting Global Change, University of Toronto, Department of Geology, Instructor, 26 Lecture hours, enrollment 150
    - in-depth course on the issues of global change
    - Spring 2003 enrollment was 500
    - organized optional weekly tutorials, to help struggling students
     
    Fall 2003 GLG206F Earth Materials, University of Toronto, Department of Geology, Instructor, 26 Lecture hrs, 39 Practical hrs, enrollment 30
    - in-depth introductory course in mineralogy, intended for geology concentrators
    - used 3D demonstrations and current planetary research to convey the relevance of dry material
     
    Spring 2004 GLG471H Independent Research Project, University of Toronto, Department of Geology, Instructor, 226 Tutorial hours, enrollment 1
    - independent undergraduate study course, designed to provide research experience.
    - students are generally focused, but require mentoring in science research methods
     
    Fall
    Spring
    Fall
    2004
    2004
    2003
    SCI199Y
    SCI199Y
    SCI199Y
    Understanding Earth’s History, University of Toronto, Department of Geology, Instructor, 26 Seminar hrs, enrollment 20
    - 1st year seminar course, designed to give an intimate experience in a large university setting
    - engaged predominantly non-science students in scientific discussion by assigning popular science readings and easing into science journals
     
    Fall 1997 GLG130H Exploring the Solar System, University of Toronto, Department of Geology, Teaching Assistant, 60 TA hrs, enrollment 120
    - introductory course on the geology and dynamics of the solar system for science majors
    - graded student work, created assignments, presented 3 lectures, and mentored students
     
    Spring 1997 GE01 Face of the Earth, Brown University, Department of Geological Sciences, Teaching Assistant, 100 TA hrs, enrollment 40
    - introductory course on Earth geology for both science and non-science students
    - managed lab component, updated all lab materials, created assignments, graded all work
     
    Fall
    Fall
    1995
    1993
    GEO5
    GEO5
    Mars, Moon, and the Earth, Brown University, Department of Geological Sciences, Teaching Assistant, 100 TA hrs, enrollment 120
    - introductory course on the geology of the solar system, for science and non-science students
    - created and maintained course web pages, ran labs, graded work, presented 2 lectures

    Scholarly and Professional Work

    Book Chapter


    Refereed Publications


    Submitted Papers


    Papers in Preparation


    Articles published in Conference Proceedings


    Abstracts and Short Papers    (First Authorship or * denotes conference presentation)


    Invited Lectures



    Professional Development

    Sept 2011 Participant, Postdoctoral Research Forum, University of Western Ontario, London, ON. Forum attendance approx. 75.

    Sept 2011 Participant, The Art of Powerful Conversation, University of Western Ontario, London, ON. Workshop attendance approx. 50.

    Sept 2011 Participant, Lunar Swirls Workshop Without Walls, NASA Lunar Science Institute. Workshop attendance approx. 100.

    Mar 2011 Participant, Microsymposium 52, Brown University/Vernadsky Institute, Houston, TX. Workshop attendance ~ 250.

    Dec 2010 Participant, and Stress Management, University of Western Ontario. Workshop attendance approx. 50.

    Nov 2010 Invited participant, Canadian Space Exploration Workshop 9, Canadian Space Agency, Montreal QC. Workshop attendance approx. 150.

    Oct 2010 Member Mars Analogue Test Mission, MDA and Canadian Space Agency, Montreal, QC. Analogue team approx 15. Provided science support for mission control.

    Aug-Sept
    2010
    Mission Control Team Lead, Analogue mission to Mistastin Impact Structure, Labrador, Canada, University of Western Ontario and Canadian Space Agency. Analogue participants approx 25. Managed mission control team of 10 people.

    Jun 2010 Participant, Preparing an Effective Course Syllabus, University of Western Ontario. Workshop attendance approx. 50.

    Jun 2010 Participant, Teaching Your Own Course, University of Western Ontario. Workshop attendance approx. 50.

    Apr 2010 Participant, Building Cross-Cultural Coaching Skills, University of Western Ontario. Workshop attendance approx. 50.

    Mar 2010 Participant, Accessibility Seminar, University of Western Ontario. Workshop attendance approx. 50.

    Feb 2010 Participant, Microsymposium 51, Brown University/Vernadsky Institute, Houston, TX. Workshop attendance ~ 250.

    Oct 2009 Participant, Planetary Science Research Symposium 2009, Toronto, ON. Symposium attendance approx. 40.

    May 2009 Participant, Mentoring Women Workshop, University of Western Ontario. Workshop attendance approx. 75.

    Apr 2009 Participant, CSA Exploration Workshop, Canadian Space Agency, Montreal, QC. Workshop attendance ~ 150.

    Mar 2009 Participant, Microsymposium 49, Brown University/Vernadsky Institute, Houston, TX. Workshop attendance approx. 200.

    Dec 2008 Participant, 6th Canadian Space Exploration Workshop, Montreal, QC. Workshop attendance approx. 200. Contributed to planning direction of future Canadian space activities.

    May 2008 Participant, Star East Software Testing Analysis and Review Conference, Orlando, FL. Conference attendance approx. 3000.

    Oct 2004 Participant, Designing Multiple Choice Exams, University of Toronto. Workshop attendance approx. 20.

    Mar 2004 Participant, Learning from the Frontier: Getting Planetary Data in the Hands of Educators, Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston, TX. Workshop attendance approx. 100.

    Mar 2004 Participant, Large Class Experience: Faculty and Student Perspectives Workshop, University of Toronto. Workshop attendance approx. 60.

    Mar 2004 Participant, Designing a Great Syllabus, University of Toronto. Workshop attendance approx. 20.

    May 2003 Participant, Nexus Pre-Conference Workshop: Teaching Large Classes, University of Toronto. Workshop attendance approx. 100.

    May 2001 Participant, 3rd Canadian Space Exploration Workshop, Montreal, QC. Workshop attendance approx. 200. Contributed to planning of future Canadian missions to Mars.

    Oct 1999 Participant, 2nd Canadian Space Exploration Workshop, University of Calgary. Workshop attendance approx. 150.

    Sept 1998 Co-Chair of Impacts and Volcanism: Sudbury and Beyond Session, Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, Toronto, ON.

    Jan 1996 Participant, European Space Agency-DLR International Moon Workshop, Berlin. Workshop attendence: 50-60. I demonstrated scientific applications of the proposed lunar mission, MORO .

    Mar 1995 Co-Chair of Lunar Mantle Processes and Mare Basalts Session, Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, Houston TX.

    1994 Co-founder of the Brown University Chapter of Women in Aerospace, an organization devoted to promoting women in the field of aerospace through industry networking.

    1993 Brown University Center for the Advancement of College Teaching Certificate. Received for participation in seminars on advanced concepts in college teaching.


    Professional Associations


    Professional Service

    Public Relations

    Committee Work

    Student Mentoring

    Journal Reviewes

    Community Outreach Presentations

    Media Interactions

    Jan. 2011 Interview with John Moores, Live from York U (heard on astronomy.fm). Topic: Cryptomare studies on the Moon.
    May 2010 Interview with David Ault, The Jodcast (Astronomy Podcast). . Topic: Canadian Lunar Research Network. Listen to the interview here.
    Oct 2009 Interview with Fanshaw College Radio, 106.9 FM. Topic: Impressions of the LCROSS impact into the Moon.
    Fall 2007 Interview with Mason Inman, Freelance writer for National Geographic. Topic: Implications of the Kalahari 009 lunar meteorite, a basaltic breccia whose age is indicative of cryptomare volcanism.
    Fall 2003 Interview with Ian McDougall, Toronto Sun. Topic: Capabilities of the remote sensing instruments on upcoming Mars missions.
    Fall 2003 Interview with Natasha Eloi, Space Channel. Topic: The role of Earth's Moon in the exploration of Mars.


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