"Many Paths, One Beginning"

https://magazine.sfsu.edu/springsummer2026/many-paths-one-beginning

SF State Magazine highlights career trajectories of alumni, including Physics & Astronomy alumna Jacque Benitez, B.A., ’11 :

Planetarium Program Manager, Morrison Planetarium at California Academy of Sciences

Special Skills: In-person and virtual education, mentorship, team building

SFSU Launchpad: Physics and Astronomy Club, SFSU Observatory docent, Center for Science and Mathematics Education

Lifelong astronomy enthusiast Jacque Benitez came to SFSU as an undeclared major. Discouraging high school physics experiences made her question her qualifications for her dream degree. Fortunately, it just took one introductory Physics class at SFSU for her to realize it was all about having the right teachers.  

“[Professor Adrienne] Cool was a huge advocate, allowing me the space to not only explore astronomy, but pointing me toward being an observatory docent,” Benitez says of SFSU’s planetarium and observatory director. “The observatory is where I really fell in love with education and teaching.”

As the Morrison Planetarium program manager, Benitez extends beyond ensuring public shows in the 75-foot dome are running smoothly. She works with the engineers tinkering with the technology, coordinates events, collaborates with the visualization studio developing films and partners with many departments in the Academy of Sciences to produce educational opportunities for visitors. And that’s not to mention the work she’s done in other Academy roles since 2012.

“I love being able to explore with people and be able to explain and see their ‘aha’ moment and joy, like when they look through a telescope,” she explains. It’s something she first realized as an observatory docent on the roof of Thornton Hall, and that has led to a long and fulfilling career.