I am an Associate Professor of Astronomy at Campion College, and also part of the Department of Physics in the University of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.


I've watched the number of visible satellites increase dramatically in the dark prairie skies above my home, which I document through astrophotography, and in my research data. I'm involved with research on light pollution from satellites and collision risks in orbit, I helped to publicize two recent SpaceX debris falls in Saskatchewan, and I have deep concerns about atmospheric pollution from the thousands of large, throw-away megaconstellation satellites.


I am involved with several groups who are advocating for better regulation of commercial satellites in orbit. I am the co-chair of the American Astronomical Society's Committe on the Protection of Astronomy and the Space Environment, I'm a Fellow of the Outer Space Institute, and I'm a member of the Center for Space Environmentalism, to name a few.


My research background is in observations and dynamical modelling of small bodies in the Solar System, particularly in the Kuiper Belt. I'm co-PI of the Classical and Large-a Solar System (CLASSY) Survey on CFHT, attempting to discover some of the smallest and most distant TNOs yet known.


About me


Back on this planet, I am a strong advocate for local, organic food, so I've learned a lot about growing and preserving fruit and vegetables, and raising farm animals. I have a small herd of dairy goats, and have had a lot of fun learning to make cheese. I also love hatching and raising poultry.


Drawing credit: Vincent Giard


Contact


Email is definitely the best way to reach me:

Samantha dot Lawler at uregina dot ca


I post about science (and farming) on Mastodon/the Fediverse: @sundogplanets@mastodon.social
This account is also bridged to BlueSky: @sundogplanets.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy


Address

Campion College at the University of Regina
3737 Wascana Parkway
Regina, SK, S4S 0A2
Canada


Are you a student looking for a supervisor?


I am usually looking undergraduate co-op (work term) students to work with me on various research projects, and I can supervise graduate students who have funding from outside sources (NSERC, etc). Take a look at my Science page and send me an email if these sorts of topics interest you