Derek and Lisa Lillie

Regional Coordinators North America

Derek Lillie has had a passion for astronomy since he was eight years old. He was a member of the Amateur Astronomy Association of Princeton from age 11 to 17 and participated in their trips to Canada and Africa to observe solar eclipses. Derek studied astrophysics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) but switched to electrical engineering and earned his degree in that field. For the past 25 years, Derek has specialized in encryption and secured products for government agencies and civilian companies. He is currently a Chief Engineer at L3 Communications.

Derek's focus in the Astronomical Institute of North America is science and technology. He is developing a robotic telescope program with sites throughout North America and a satellite telescope placement program. He is also very active in outreach and education for schools and the public.

Lisa Lillie received the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award in London from His Royal Highness Prince Phillip at age 19 for accomplishments in academics, athletics, the arts, wilderness expeditions and community service. Lisa is a Registered Nurse specializing in psychiatry. She was responsible for over 80 mental health and addiction programs across the Province of Ontario. Lisa is a former board member of Niagara Alcohol and Drug Assessment Services andwas a consulting program coordinator for the New Port Centre at Port Colborne's General Hospital. Lisa also worked with the Department of Juvenile Justice advocating for youth by accessing and providing mental health and addiction services in lieu of incarceration.

Lisa is responsible for public relations, fund raising and after school programs for the Astronomical Institute of North America.