1- Present yourself : who you are + describe your job
My name is Celia Verdugo and I’m an astronomer working at ALMA as a Data Analyst. When I’m at the observatory (1-2 weeks per month) I have a role of Astronomer on Duty (AoD), and I take care of the observations, of scheduling projects and doing first quality assessment of the data. The rest of the time I am at the headquarters in Santiago, were I reduce and analyze calibration data that will be later used for the science observations.
2- Can you explain your study + professional paths?
I did both my Bachelor and my Master in Science with Astronomy mention at the University of Chile, 7 year is total. Then I moved to France to do my Phd at the Observatory of Paris, for 3 years. Right after I graduated, I moved back to Chile and started working here at ALMA
3- How long have you been working in an observatory?
Two years now.
4- Pros and Cons (Likes/Dislikes) of your life in an observatory?
I like very much working as an AoD. It is what I enjoy the most of my work, taking care of the observations at the control room. And it is always nice to spend some time at the Atacama desert, a beautiful and quiet place. But of course, It is not easy to spend so much time away from home. The largest difficulty is to balance work and family in a ‘shift’ type of working life.
5- What is the funniest thing that has happened to you at the observatory?
Well, now I think it’s funny, but at the time I think I must have pissed off a lot of people, when I accidentally turned on the fire alarm of my bedroom by leaving the humidifier on the entire night. I woke up every one in my corridor at 3AM.
6- What is the scariest thing that has happened to you at the observatory?
I don’t think anything really scary has ever happened to me, but of course, here in Chile we always have to be alert of earthquakes. The last big one I felt on the observatory was due to a high volcanic activity.
7- When was a time that you weren't sure if you could do something, but you did it?
One time I joined the astrophotography group to a night session at the high site, at 5000m of altitude, and I was worried about driving at night, because the road is very difficult, and I didn’t have any experience driving on high mountain. In general, I’m a bit insecure about my driving skills, so normamlly under these circumstances I was quite nervous, but luckily I pulled through and ended up taking some beautiful pictures of the night sky.
8- What advice would you give to someone interested in working at an observatory? Anything specifically if they are a woman?
I would definitely say that, for a woman, and observatory is a good and confortable place to work in, but due to the large gender disparity, It is still a place with male majority, and we should always be alert to any kind of “funny” jokes or comments, which can be said with and innocent intention, but end up being sexiest anyway. Even though they are very rare, I always try to put and end to those “jokes” right from the start, no matter how “innocent” they might be.
9- What do you do for fun at the observatory?
I go to the gym, watch TV, read a book, or go to San Pedro for a few hours.
10- What do you do for fun when you're *not* at the observatory?
I normally go out with friends and boyfriend, visit the family in the countryside, of have people over at my place for food and drinks.
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