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Avivah Yamani |  |
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langitselatan (astronomy online media) |
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| Bandung, Indonesia |
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Founder and Director |
She is an Astronomer: How many years since you got your maximum degree?
Avivah Yamani: I received my Bachelor degree from astronomy in 2003 and then received my Master degree in astrophysics in 2007, and my field of research is in planetary system.
SIAA: Are women under-represented in your institution?
AY: No.
SIAA: Do you feel it was more difficult for you to get a job or a promotion in comparison with male astronomers?
AY: Well, I don’t think so. Right now, there are more and more women astronomer in our country. And the chance to get a job or promotion is almost equal depending on the qualification that each person can fulfill.
SIAA: What is your family status?
AY: Single. I have one brother and my mom is an entrepreneur. My father died several years ago.
SIAA: Have you had any career breaks?
AY: Not yet.
SIAA: How many hours per day do you normally dedicate to work?
AY: 8-10 hours a day, but it never bores me since the time is flexible and, mostly, we do our work among the public which is fun.
SIAA: What would most help you advance your career?
AY: I need to focus on developing the media so it can help people to know more about astronomy. Aside from that we need more support to share astronomy with the public.
SIAA: What recommendation would you make to young women starting their career in astronomy?
AY: Most parents and also students will think, "Why do you choose astronomy?" Even if you have already become an astronomy student, people tend to ask and question you, "Why do you study astronomy?" or, "Where will you work?" This is the time you start doubting your own choice.
So if you want to start your career in astronomy, I would like to ask you to do one thing. Ask yourself, "What is your passion?"
If you find that astronomy is your passion, go for it. After that you will need hard work. But one thing for sure, astronomy is fun, the universe is fascinating. In each level you will amazed by the wonder of the universe. And in every field of research, you will find yourself uncovering the universe. And you won’t stop because you will also find that there is much more hidden in this universe... and there are mystery to solved.