Russ Robb, senior lab instructor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, has been interested in astronomy since the age of ten, when he was given his first telescope. Over the last 30 years at UVic, Russ has taught astronomy labs and published 170 papers about variable stars, quasars and asteroids, with undergraduates, grad students, post docs, faculty and amateur astronomers.

With assistance from UVic’s excellent mechanical and electrical shops, Russ automated the 20-inch telescope in the Climenhaga Observatory in the 1990s to make it a cutting-edge instrument. He has discovered 48 variable stars and was honoured with an asteroid being named after him (asteroid 11955 Russrobb).

For the last ten years Russ has enjoyed teaching the first year astronomy course for non-scientists and continues to supervise and develop astronomy labs. His passion for astronomy is evident during his classes as well as during the multitude of tours conducted for school groups, summer camps, and the public.

UVic staff like Russ are passionate about what they do. Learn more about astronomy at UVic.