Meteorites, tektites, shatter cones, and impact breccias provide a glimpse of the geology of the earth and solar system. By studying the chemistry, geology, and gross physical characteristics of collected samples using PLM and SEM/EDS, among other techniques, a picture emerges about our surroundings. In this hands-on workshop we will address the history of meteoritics, sample identification, preparation (thin-sectioning, etching and preservation), and influence meteors and meteorites have had on art, architecture, cultures, science, and religions.

Bio Sketch
Dr. Alan Chow is a founder and CEO of Optobionics Corporation where he heads a team of scientists and engineers in their development of the Artificial Silicon RetinaT (ASRT) vision prosthesis. In June of 2000 and July of 2001, he led a team of surgeons to perform the world's first implantations of the ASR in six blind patients. Dr. Chow received his BA in biology from the University of Chicago and his MD from Loyola University. He completed internships in pediatrics at Cincinnati Children's/GSH and in surgery at Loyola where he also completed his ophthalmology residency. Dr. Chow was a Heed Fellow in pediatric ophthalmology at the Children's Hospital National Medical Center and a Knapp Fellow in ophthalmic genetics at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Chow has received grants and awards for scientific achievement from NASA, Westinghouse, the National Science Foundation, the NIH and the SBA. In 1996 he received the Chicago Inventor of the Year Award along with his brother Vincent for their work in developing the ASR, and in 2000 the Tibbetts Award from the Small Business Innovation Research Program. Dr. Chow is a Visiting Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Eye Center at Chicago and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Tulane University Eye Center. He is a frequent national and international lecturer and is the author of numerous articles, book chapters and patents. He is a reviewer for multiple peer reviewed journals and is a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Bill C. Mikuska received his BS and MS in chemistry from the Illinois Institute of Technology with emphasis in physical chemistry and chemical physics. A 30 year teaching career at Triton College followed where he engaged students to use polarized light microscopy in independent study projects. He teaches classes in polarized light microscopy to high school students, high school and middle school teachers, and engineers at Fermi Natoional Accelerator Laboratory and at the Argonne National Laboratory. He has been an officer in the State Microscopical Society for several years, is a fellowe of the Royal Microscopical Society and is a member of the Rowfant Club, a Cleveland bibliophillic society founded in 1892. His interests range from classical music (organ performance and practice), Venetian and French glass, antique bronzes, art, mineralogy, and botany.