Thomas Willmitch developed a love of nature as a child, while stargazing from his backyard. This passion grew into a lifelong interest in science and mathematics. Thomas became an avid amateur astronomer by his early-20s, eventually serving as President of the Mahoning Valley Astronomical Society, in Northeastern Ohio. Thomas earned a BS in Physics and Astronomy from Youngstown State University, while also working at the Ward Beecher Planetarium. He went on to earn his MS in Astronomy from Vanderbilt University, while serving as the Arthur J. Dyer Observatory’s Night Observer. Thomas did further graduate studies in astronomy at the University of Florida, in Gainesville. Since then, Thomas has been director of a variety of astronomical observatories, planetaria, and even a hands-on science museum. Thomas has directed the Illinois State University Planetarium, in Normal, since 2000. He also teaches in ISU’s Department of Physics. Additionally, Thomas is an active member of the Twin City Amateur Astronomers, which operates a state-of-the-art astronomical observatory in Funks Grove, Illinois.