Island Lecture Series – February 2019: “More than sun and pineapples: A look into the culture of astronomical sciences in Hawai’i” with Emerald Naylor
Tuesday, February 19 | 7 p.m.
SDU Main Building Faculty Lounge | UPEI campus
The Island Lecture Series February lecture was Tuesday, February 19, at 7 p.m. in the SDU Main Building Faculty Lounge on the UPEI campus, and will feature Island Studies master’s student Emerald Naylor speaking about her research in Hawai’i.
“More than sun and pineapples: A look into the culture of astronomical sciences in Hawai’i” is a research project that focuses on the importance and popularity of astronomy on the Big Island of Hawai’i. Emerald reflected back on her recent trip to the Big Island, sharing her observations of astronomy culture and the importance of showcasing both Western and Hawaiian perspectives. This project focuses on the impact of the 13 telescopes on Maunakea and how relationships between Hawaiians and Western astronomers are navigated. She also discussed what the current tensions may mean for the future of astronomy on Maunakea.
Emerald Naylor is currently a second-year student in the Master of Arts in Island Studies program at the University of Prince Edward Island. She graduated from the University of Waterloo on the Dean’s Honours List, with a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and History. An avid participant in the arts from a very young age, she is now a writer and freelance choreographer and dancer. Emerald was previously a member of the Waterloo Region Record’s Youth Editorial Board, St. Jerome’s Student Activities Committee, and the Canadian Association for Commonwealth Literature and Language Studies. She is currently a member of the International Small Island Studies Association, and the Vice-President of UPEI’s Graduate Student Association. Emerald is the recipient of many awards including the Joseph Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship, the Kitchener’s Youth Council Award in Arts and Culture, and second place for Children’s Literature in the Waterloo Region.