# 150 - The Rational View With Dr. Al Scott

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In this episode, I speak with long time friend and scientist, Dr. Al Scott. Al is doing some amazing work in the field of science and presently works in the Canadian space industry. He has a PhD in Laboratory Astrophysics and his current work focuses on developing laser communication systems for satellites. Al recently started up his own podcast called the Rational View and this is why I brought him on the show. I wanted to hear about Al's work and to learn more about the themes and topics he covers in each episode of his podcast. His podcast takes a deep dive into important societal issues and it is Al's hope that through each episode he provides a clear voice for the moderate majority on highly polarized issues such as climate change, social inequity, and the growth of anti-science sentiment. I highly recommend you have a listen to The Rational View, it's a fantastic podcast. I want to thank Al for taking the time to be on my podcast.


About Al:
My name is Dr. Alan Scott, namesake to the original Green Lantern. I grew up on the Scott Brothers' apple farm in the tiny village of Olinda, near Leamington Ontario where I was taught the value of an honest day's work in the orchards.  I determined at that time that it would be worthwhile exploring the big world and so I left the farm for University. I earned a BSc in Physics from the University of Guelph, Ontario. While there, I served as president of the College of Physical and Engineering Sciences student council. I was also a member of the varsity curling squad for which I was awarded the President's Trophy for combined academics/athletics achievement. Several years later, I graduated with a PhD in Laboratory Astrophysics from University of Waterloo under Professor Walt Duley. After this period of academic freedom I turned to the 'dark side' and entered the Canadian space industry working on the development of optical remote sensing instruments for scientific satellite experiments. I have been active in this field ever since, enjoying the opportunity to work with an amazingly broad range of cutting edge technology. I currently work for COM DEV/Honeywell as an 'Engineering Fellow' in optical technologies, developing laser communications systems for satellites. During this time I have also been involved in the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Ottawa chapter.  I served as the Ted Bean Telescope Loan Librarian for over a decade, and also as Counselor, VP, and President.  I was awarded a service award in 2016 by the Ottawa Center. As for my family, I have two wonderful teenage children, Clare and Will, a supportive and intelligent wife, Sarah, and a young kindergarten troublemaker, Rigel.

Connect With Al:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlScottRational
Podcast: https://therationalview.podbean.com/#
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlScottRational

Special thanks to Bronx band Conversing with Oceans & Alex Bondarev for creating the podcast music.
https://www.conversingwithoceans.com/