People: Paul McFarlane receives Silver Thistle Award

University of Nevada, Reno employee Paul McFarlane received the Silver Thistle Award after being named the 2023 “Scot of the Year” by the Nevada Society of Scottish Clans at its 41st annual Robert Burns Celebration at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno.

McFarlane has devoted much of his career to science, astronomy, and space exploration and ensuring the availability of comprehensive STEM education opportunities. In addition, he has organized and led many student and adult cultural tours to the United Kingdom, teaching and perpetuating its rich history, particularly that of his ancestral country, Scotland.

Following an extensive recruitment effort, McFarlane was honored to have been selected the current and eighth director of the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center on the University of Nevada, Reno campus.