Education Path
Ph.D.
Astronomy. Indiana State University, Terre Haute IN
M.A.
Astronomy. Indiana State University
B.S.
Physics. San Francisco State University, San Francisco CA
Special Career Skills
"Skills are something that can be learned, developed and honed. For me, the greatest skill is to be able to convey complex phenomenon in such a way that my grandfather could understand it. Other skills include a good understanding of physics and mathematics. I also believe the future of our understanding of the universe is really in an indigenous holistic approach to the questions and interpreting data."
I Like My Career Because
"It fulfills some of the most basic necessities for me as a human being; Spiritual: I want to know more of the Holy People (Diyin Diné), so I learn more about creation. Astronomy is a way to study the creation of the universe and its path toward equilibrium.
Intellectual Curiosity: How do stars form? How do galaxies evolve? What fills the space between stars and galaxies? How are they connected? By bringing all fields of science; physics, mathematics, chemistry, thermodynamics, quantum and relativistic mechanics, to name a few, challenges every part of me by the research necessary to examine such questions.
Hozho: A Navajo way of living in balance and beauty. This type of work is meaningful to me and requires discipline. Interdependence, creativity, an open mind and by the very nature of studying the universe ultimately humbles me.”
Recognitions
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First Native American to graduate with degrees in Astronomy
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Created the First Nations Educational and Cultural Center Indiana University. 2007.
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Assisted in developing an algorithm for sky transparency at the Mauna Loa Observatory, Mauna Kea HI
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Created a portal for observers to examine nightly observations of Supernovae candidates for Sloan Digital Sky Survey II.
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This phase was a phase to map the universe.
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Chemically Peculiar Stars (slideshow presentation)
Other Information
American Astronomical Society bio of Dr. Lamenti.
https://aas.org/obituaries/dennis-j-lamenti-1958-2012
The Native American Astronomer. Indian Country Today. 2011 https://goo.gl/RbNFcj
2018 Update
Dr. Lamenti passed away October 31, 2012.
“Remind yourself from time to time why you started what you are doing. If you can’t remember, then go back to where you can remember it. Be willing to change yourself. Look at the big picture; be willing to give back for, if you honestly look at your life, everything has really been given to you.”
Words of Wisdom
