Einstein (Relatively Speaking) Drops In On Hawaii!

April 4, 2002

Arden Bercovitz, Ph.D., is a scientist portraying a scientist, creativity coach and keynote speaker recognized by the National Speakers Association. Dr. Bercovitz has performed as Einstein for over 10 years and his acclaimed characterization of the famous scientist has received praise from students, the media and scientists alike.

Since asking questions was critical to Einstein's genius, the public is encouraged to question Einstein. Bercovitz, as Einstein, answers in character, weaving stories and answers from a wealth of Einstein quotes and powerful anecdotes that show Albert Einstein as not just a scientist, but also a visionary and humanist. Enlivened by dramatizations based closely on Einstein's writings and recollection of experiences, Bercovitz shares Albert's unique genius to help children and adults expand their thinking skills and broaden their horizons.

All programs are free but seating will be limited and provided on a first-come-first-served basis. All programs are sponsored by the Gemini Observatory with co-sponsorship in Honolulu by the UH Institute for Astronomy and in Hilo by the Astronomy Department at the University of Hawaii at Hilo and NOMISS (a NASA grant project). School programs in Waimea are co-sponsored by the W.M. Keck Observatory and Hawaii Preparatory Academy.

The Gemini Observatory is an international collaboration that has built two identical 8-meter telescopes. The telescopes are located at Mauna Kea, Hawaii (Gemini North) and Cerro Pachón in central Chile (Gemini South), and hence provide full coverage of both hemispheres of the sky. Both telescopes incorporate new technologies that allow large, relatively thin mirrors under active control to collect and focus both optical and infrared radiation from space. Gemini North began science operations in 2000 and Gemini South began scientific operations in late 2001.

The Gemini Observatory provides the astronomical communities in each partner country with state-of-the-art astronomical facilities that allocate observing time in proportion to each country's contribution. In addition to financial support, each country also contributes significant scientific and technical resources. The national research agencies that form the Gemini partnership include: the US National Science Foundation (NSF), the UK Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC), the Canadian National Research Council (NRC), the Chilean Comisión Nacional de Investigación Cientifica y Tecnológica (CONICYT), the Australian Research Council (ARC), the Argentinean Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) and the Brazilian Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq). The Observatory is managed by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. (AURA) under a cooperative agreement with the NSF. The NSF also serves as the executive agency for the international partnership.

Background on Dr. Arden Bercovitz:

Scientist, researcher, educator, creativity coach, and keynote speaker, Arden Bercovitz has brought his portrayal of Einstein to highly-respected, leading-edge corporations and associations such as Motorola, AT&T, Lucent, the American Gas Association, International Alliance for Learning, Eastman Chemical, Searle Pharmaceuticals, International Planetarium Society, the California Science Teachers Association, and Hewlett Packard, to mention a few.

Bercovitz receives praise from professional organizations across the nation and has been featured in Success Magazine, Los Angeles Times, San Diego Business Journal, San Diego Union Tribune and numerous trade journals. He was featured in the book "The Greatest Speakers I Have Ever Heard" by Dottie Walters, founder of the International Group of Agents and Bureaus.

Bercovitz, a Ph.D. Reproductive Endocrinologist from San Diego, conducted original research at the world-renowned San Diego Zoo's Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species for over a decade. Bercovitz earned a B.S. degree from Cal Poly, Pomona, a M.S. from Washington State University, Pullman, and a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri, Columbia. He holds a lifetime teaching credential from the state of California, and has taught science at elementary and college levels. Bercovitz also served as Dean of Learning Assessment at William Lyon University.

Bercovitz is a Certified Speaking Professional. Fewer than 300, world-wide, have earned the CSP designation from the National Speakers Association. Bercovitz is past President of the San Diego Chapter of the National Speakers Association.

As an avid learner and reader, in his spare time, Bercovitz enjoys technology, healthful gourmet cooking, designing drums, ceramics, carpentry, and square dancing.