Daniel O’Conner Peluso

As an astrophysics PhD candidate with the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), Peluso focuses on exoplanet follow-ups, exoplanet citizen science, and astronomy education. In education, Peluso is developing an astronomy citizen science network using remote and easy-to-use digital telescopes (Unistellar eVscopes) so teachers and students can observe celestial events (e.g. exoplanets) and learn science through inquiry-based and project-based learning activities. Peluso holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Science Curriculum Development, cleared Single-Subject Teaching Credentials in Physics and Geosciences in the state of California, and has years of experience as a high school science teacher. Recently, Peluso co-developed a new graduate level inquiry-based astronomy education course for teachers with the American Modeling Teachers Association (AMTA), called Astronomy Modeling with Exoplanets.

Peluso grew up in Beaver, Pennsylvania and after many years working in the music business as a music promoter at major record labels and as an independent singer-songwriter in regional rock bands, decided to pursue science and returned to school later in life and received a B.S. in Planetary Science from the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt). After Pitt and receiving his M.Ed. and teaching credentials from the University of San Diego, Peluso taught high school physics for several years in the Bay Area, California, and then in mid-2019 began his PhD in astrophysics at UniSQ. 

In addition to his work in science education and astronomy, Peluso enjoys photography, music, film, and is an active singer-songwriter and musician performing and releasing original music under the stage name “Conner Eko”.

Google Scholar Profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=GONihwEAAAAJ&hl=en