After receiving a B.A. in physics and applied mathematics from Rice University in 1996, Bryan Dunne worked at Los Alamos National Lab on the ALEXIS satellite project. He joined the Department of Astronomy at the University of Illinois in 1997 as a graduate student. After receiving his Ph.D. in 2007, Dr. Dunne stayed on at Illinois as Assistant Chair of Astronomy, leading the department business office and teaching astronomy courses. In 2018, he was named a Chancellor’s Academic Professional Excellence Award winner for his service to the University. In 2019, he transitioned to Teaching Assistant Professor and Director of the Campus Observatory, taking a more teaching and advising role in the department.