PATRICIA WHITELOCK Career category: Natural/Physical Science & Maths - astronomer Current Employment: South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) / University of Cape Town, Head of astronomy divison at SAAO. Email address: paw@saao.ac.za  Career History:  Astronomy is the study of the universe and everything in it. It is a very exciting field in which South Africa is exceptionally well placed to make an impact. Not only is the climate good for astronomy, the government has recognized our strategic advantages and invested in various facilities including the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT). I obtained my BSc in astronomy from University College London and then a PhD from Imperial College of Science and Technology, London. After a brief spell as a post-doc I married an astronomer and came to the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in South Africa. I also worked for over a year as a senior astronomer at the Anglo-Australian Observatory, which has its headquarters in Sydney Australia. I do research in the structure of our Galaxy and the late stages of stellar evolution. I have at various times been Deputy Director and Acting Director SAAO. Right now I hold a joint appointment with SAAO and UCT.