Professional Title/Position

Degrees and Education

• University of Washington, 1998

Research Areas, Topics, and Interests

• Stellar populations
• Nearby galaxies
• Star clusters
• Magellanic Clouds
• Surveys

Professional Experience and Positions

• NOAO Staff Astronomer (2000-present)
• NSF GSMT SWG (2002-2006)
• NSF LSST SWG (2003-2005)
• NOAO TAC (2001-2003, 2007-2009)
• Spitzer Cycle 4 review (2002)
• Organizing committee member of several astronomical conferences (2000, 2001, 2013)
• LOC Chair of NOAO 50th Symposia (2013)
• Chair of NOAO & LSST Observing Cadences Workshop (2014)
• Co-chair of LSST Stellar Populations Collaboration (2010-2013)

Candidate Statement

In my position as staff astronomer at NOAO, I have served on a number of panels and committees aimed at providing opportunities to the U.S. national community. I have seen what makes an effective committee: having a talented and diverse group that does not simply see the opportunity to serve as an honor bestowed upon them, but as a responsibility to which they dedicate serious thought and energy. If elected to the Nominating Committee, I would seek to nominate candidates who would hold themselves to that standard, and represent our diverse community.

Professional Title/Position

Degrees and Education

• University of Calgary (1993)

Research Areas, Topics, and Interests

• Massive stars
• Colliding-wind systems
• Stellar radio emission
• Radio astronomy techniques

Professional Experience and Positions

• Member, SKA Science and Engineering Advisory Committee (2013-present)
• Member, ALMA Board (2013-present)
• Chair, ASTRON Science Advisory Committee (2012-present)

Candidate Statement

I have over 18 years of experience of science and engineering management in radio astronomy, from representation of Canada’s contributions to international radio astronomy projects, to leadership of radio astronomy activities at the NRC Herzberg. I have been an active participant within North American astronomy for the past two decades, largely through extensive work with NRAO on the Jansky Very Large Array and Canada’s development of the WIDAR correlator system, as a member or chair of a number of NSF panels, and currently as a North American member of the ALMA Board. I would be pleased to serve the AAS as a member of the nominating committee.

Professional Title/Position

Degrees and Education

• Columbia University (2004)

Research Areas, Topics, and Interests

• Astronomy Education and Outreach
• Family Science Learning
• Science Education Technology
• Active Galactic Nuclei and Supermassive Black Holes
• Radio Galaxies

Services, Roles, and Activities

• Astronomy Education Board (2004-2006)
• Ad Hoc Committee on Future Communications in Astronomy (2006-2008)
• Editor: Spark the AAS Education Newsletter

Professional Experience and Positions

• President: Association for Astronomy Education (2005-present)
• Member of the NSTA Science Scope Review Panel (2002-present)
• American Physics Teachers Association Committee on Space Science and Astronomy (2004-2006)

Candidate Statement

I have been an active member of the American Astronomical Society community since my early days in graduate school, and remain a regular attendee at all Society meetings almost two decades later. I feel close connections to both the scientific and educational communities within the society, and, if elected to this position, would look forward to the opportunity to strengthen those ties. Through my many interactions with the AAS, both in serving on committees, and through organizing and participating in regular events at conferences, I have a good grasp on ‘how things work’ -- valuable knowledge in helping to identify individuals who can be the best to continue to move our society forward. I am committed to doing my part to continue to drive the society in the direction of becoming a true community of colleagues in all that we do, and would be dedicated to nominating great representatives of you — the astronomical community — to positions within our society.

Professional Title/Position

Degrees and Education

• University of California, Santa Cruz (2000)

Research Areas, Topics, and Interests

• Galaxy clusters
• Galaxy evolution
• Observational cosmology

Services, Roles, and Activities

• Beatrice M. Tinsley Prize Committee (2007-2009, Chair 2009)

Professional Experience and Positions

• NOAO Users Committee (2012-present, Chair (2014-present)
• Member of US TMT Science Working Group (2013-present)
• Assorted review panels including NSF, NOAO, Spitzer, HST, Chandra (2002-present)
• GTC Science Advisory Committee (2007-2009)

Candidate Statement

It would be an honor to serve as a member of the nominating committee to help ensure that we have slates of candidates who reflect the diverse interests of the Society and can strongly represent the interests of the community. In the past I have aimed to contribute through my service on review panels and various community committees. As a member of the nominating committee I will do my best to identify and nominate energetic candidates who can be effective advocates for the AAS and its members.

Professional Title/Position

Degrees and Education

• Cambridge University 1973 (awarded 1974)

Research Areas, Topics, and Interests

• Cosmology
• Relativity

Services, Roles, and Activities

• AAS: Councilor (1999-2002)
• HEAD: Committee (1982-1984), Vice Chair (2002-2004), Chair (2004-2006)
• Warner-Pierce Prize Committee (1999-2000)
• Dannie Heineman Prize Committee (2002-2003)
• Henry Norris Russell Prize Committee (2004-2005)
• Committee on Astronomy and Public Policy (2002-2006)

Professional Experience and Positions

• NASA: Space Science Advisory Committee (1996-1999); Structure and Evolution of the Universe SubCommittee Chair (1996-1999)
• NRC: Space Studies Board (1986-1989,2002-2006); Committee on Astronomy and Astrophysics Co-chair (2002-06); Committee on Physics of the Universe (2000-2002)
• Astronomy Survey Committee: Theory Panel (1981); UVO from space, science opportunities Panel (1991); High Energy Astrophysics from Space Panel Chair (1999-2000); Chair (2008-2010)
• NSF: ACAST (1982-1984); Chair (1985); MPS Advisory Committee (2001-2004)4; NSF Astronomy Senior Review Chair (2005-2006)
• ARAA: Associate Editor (2002-2004); Editor (2005-2010)

Candidate Statement

Scientifically, astronomy is as exciting as ever and remarkable discoveries and measurements are a source of pride to AAS members and the public. The opportunities for the future are unlimited. I am honored to be asked to stand for election as your President. I believe that we have been very well represented in the past by the AAS and, if chosen, I will do my best to consolidate the initiatives of recent years including communicating the value of astronomy and other basic sciences as societal investments which should be better supported and enabling the planning and hard choices needed to use our human, financial and facility resources optimally. As so much of our future will unfold in a global context, I would also like to forge stronger relationships with professional societies around the world to create an environment where successful and economical collaborations can flourish. Another goal would be to create a more stable and better-defined care er structure for the impressive students who enter our field. This would include linking with the many growing fields beyond astronomy where an astronomical background is of great value and developing new ways to continue to engage those who follow these paths.

Professional Title/Position

Degrees and Education

• Harvard University (1974)

Research Areas, Topics, and Interests

Understanding the formation of clusters of galaxies and large scale structure and the impacts of supermassive black holes on the evolution of galaxies. Earlier research included studies of stellar binary systems and analysis of meteorites and lunar samples.

Services, Roles, and Activities

• AAS Vice-President (2008-2011)
• AAS Councilor (1989-1992)
• Harlow Shapley Lecturer (1990-present)
• Dannie Heineman Prize Committee (2000-2002, Chair 2002)
• Search committee for new AAS Executive Officer (1994-1995)
• Executive Committee, AAS-High Energy Astrophysics Division (1987-1989, 1999-2001)
• Secretary-Treasurer, AAS-High Energy Astrophysics Division (2004-2007)
• AAS Small Research Grants Committee (1992)
• AAS liaison to the AAAS (1992-1994)

Professional Experience and Positions

• Director, Grand Challenges Consortium for Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe, Smithsonian Institution (2010-2014)
• International Astronomical Union (IAU) Division XI Space and High Energy Astrophysics (Deputy, 2006-2009, President 2009-2012)
• Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP) Board of Directors 2012-2015; Chair, ASP Publications Committee (2014-2015)
• Co-Director and NSF Grant PI for SAO Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program (1994-present)
• Space Telescope Science Institute Visiting Committee (2001-2004)
• NASA Senior Review for on-going missions (1998)
• NASA Structure and Evolution of the Universe Subcommittee (1996-1999)
• NASA proposal review panels, including HST, Spitzer Legacy, Astrophysics Data Program, and X-ray missions (1988-present)
• NSF proposal review panels (for research, Graduate Student Fellowships, REU programs, Post-doctoral Fellowships) (2001-present)
• DOE Dark Energy proposals review panel (2008)
• Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (1995)
• Honorary Fellow, Royal Astronomical Society (2011-present)

Candidate Statement

As a first-year graduate student, I attended my first AAS meeting in East Lansing, Michigan. I gave a talk, shared a dorm room, and talked with Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin at breakfast — what an experience! Today our meetings still wow participants and our journals are the best in the field. We continue to educate and inspire students, the public, government officials, and each other. These are truly exciting times, from discoveries of new exoplanets to advances in cosmology.

However we face challenges, particularly related to employment and public funding for future observatories, and, especially for new faculty, there is also the challenge of balancing teaching and research time. Talking with colleagues, I’ve heard excellent suggestions for new AAS initiatives to address these and other concerns. For example, one already underway, would establish an AAS Alumni Board of astronomers who are successful in non-traditional areas, to advise astronomers about alternative career paths. Second, since funding large observatories likely requires international partnerships, AAS Special Sessions could provide a platform for presentations and discussions of future projects. And third, the AAS could assist faculty by extending the AAS “Resources for Educators” to include a teaching network to share course materials and experiences. As President, I would work to implement these and other initiatives that address the needs of our members and our Society.

I served as AAS Vice-President when John Huchra and Debbie Elmegreen were Presidents, so I know this job isn’t easy. The strength of the AAS is its members and together, we can chart innovative paths for our Society that will ensure a bright future, hopefully with clear, dark skies!

Professional Title/Position

Degrees and Education

• University of Rochester (1987)

Research Areas, Topics, and Interests

• Comets
• Small bodies in the solar system
• Dust
• Novae
• Exoplanets
• Infrared Instrumentation
• Space missions

Services, Roles, and Activities

• Councilor, American Astronomical Society (2008-2011)
• Chair and Member, American Astronomical Society Committee on the Status of Minorities in Astronomy (2000-2004)

Professional Experience and Positions

• Board Vice-Chair, Large Binocular Telescope Corporation (501[c](3)) (2011-present)
• Member, Astronomy & Astrophysics Advisory Committee (AAAC) (2010-2012)
• Member, Astro2010 OIR Decadale Panel (2009-2010)
• Chair, International Gemini Observatory Board (2008-2010)
• Board Member (US Representative), International Gemini Observatory Board (2002-2007)
• Member, Space Studies Board, National Academies of Science / National Research Council (2007- 2011)
• Member, Committee on Astronomy & Astrophysics, National Academies of Science / National Research Council (2002-2005)
• Chair, National Optical Astronomical Observatory (NOAO) Users Committee (2000-2003)
• Member, NASA Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF aka Spitzer) Science Users Committee (1998-2002)

Candidate Statement

I am honored to stand as Vice President nominee. The AAS supports a broad scientific community and serves the nation as a vanguard of public outreach and education. At its essence, the AAS advocates for the discipline and catalyzes consensus building within the professional community. At the same time, the organization faces 21st-century challenges. A skeptical, polarized public questions the role of science, the need for technical literacy, and the innovation wrought by discovery, while national policy decisions diminish investment. To lead in these debates, the AAS must sharpen its message and engage its members. Likewise, the AAS must promote policies and initiatives that enhance service to and advocacy for the profession. Integrating the diverse interests of sub-disciplines (e.g., DPS), the CSMA, CWA, and LGBT voices, and the next generations’ concerns into AAS conversations will advance a collective vision. Of equal importance is cultivating m entoring and networking among members, providing attractive meeting venues at reasonable cost for dissemination of exciting science, and recognizing the contributions of diversity in the scientific discourse at our meetings.

If elected, I will advocate for AAS constituents and leadership through innovative, inclusive discourse that situates the Society as a scientifically creative and publically responsive organization.

Professional Title/Position

Degrees and Education

• Columbia University (1979)

Research Areas, Topics, and Interests

• Galactic structure and evolution
• Molecular clouds
• Star formation
• Interstellar medium

Services, Roles, and Activities

• Councilor (1995-1998)
• Warner/Pierce Prize Committee (2002-2003, chair: 2003)

Professional Experience and Positions

• Director, Allen Telescope Array (2006-2008)
• Director, Radio Astronomy Laboratory, UC Berkeley (1996-2008)
• Director, Laboratory for Millimeter-Wave Astronomy, University of Maryland (1988-1996)
• NRC Committee on Astronomy and Astrophysics (1994-1997)
• President, Vice President and Organizing Committee member of IAU Commission 33: Structure and Dynamics of the Galactic System (1982-1994) and various visiting committees, advisory committees, panels, and organization of scientific meetings
• Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Fellowship (1984-1988)

Candidate Statement

Astronomy is changing before our eyes. More than ever it is becoming a field of big science with the advent of Keck, ALMA, TMT, GMT, JWST, LSST, and on the horizon, the Square Kilometer Array. As a result, astronomy is increasingly being done in large teams. Compounding this trend, funding for individual investigator grants is falling, and it is becoming harder and harder for individuals and small groups of investigators to do groundbreaking new science. These trends affect all of the members of the AAS and should therefore be the concern of all. The AAS can and should be a forum for debating these issues and bringing them to the fore. Through town hall gatherings at the semi-annual AAS meetings, the AAS can and should be a forum for developing a consensus of how the membership sees these developments and others. AAS meetings have long provided the glue for our membership in the dissemination of new scientific results, and will continue to do so, but it should also be a venue where large issues that effect the entire membership can be discussed.

Professional Title/Position

Degrees and Education

• University of Arizona (1996)

Research Areas, Topics, and Interests

• Galaxy evolution from high to low redshift
• Starburst and post-starburst galaxies
• Active galactic nuclei

Services, Roles, and Activities

• Astronomy Education Prize Committee (2013-present)
• Astronomy Education Board (2012-present)
• Committee on the Status of Minorities in Astronomy (2003-2008)

Professional Experience and Positions

• Director, Macaulay Honors College at CUNY College of Staten Island (2012-present)
• Director, The Verrazano School at CUNY College of Staten Island (2008-2011; 2012-present)
• Associate, Hayden Planetarium and Department of Astrophysics, American Museum of Natural History (2003-present)

Candidate Statement

"Human history," wrote H. G. Wells in his 1920 book The Outline of History, "becomes more and more a race between education and catastrophe." That race continues today; and in many ways, it grows ever closer. We astronomers educate at every level, formally and informally, depending upon our individual interests and our institutions' needs. Our philosophies, methods, and personal passions for teaching vary widely. Ultimately, though, I believe we are all educators in our own ways; and education will always be one of our most noble, powerful, and transformative activities.

The mission of the American Astronomical Society is “to enhance and share humanity’s scientific understanding of the universe.” I would be honored and privileged to promote, advocate for, and give voice to all of the education conducted by the Society and its membership — in all of its forms and at all of its levels — so that we may more completely fulfill the “share” part of our mission. I pledge to do my best to hear every opinion and include every contributor, in order to enhance and advance both astronomy education and educating with astronomy. Thank you all for giving my candidacy your consideration.

Professional Title/Position

Degrees and Education

• University of Colorado (1987)

Research Areas, Topics, and Interests

• Solar physics - chromosphere, corona, solar wind; energetic processes - flares, CMEs
• Particle acceleration
• Late-type stars
• Radiophysics - emission mechanisms, propagation phenomena, data inversion
• Radio instrumentation - interferometry

Services, Roles, and Activities

• AAS Committee on Light Pollution, Radio Interference, and Space Debris (2003-2005)
• AAS Publications Board member (2013-present)
• Task Force on AAS Publications (2014)

Professional Experience and Positions

• Scientific Editor, Astrophysical Journal (2003-2007)
• Member, NAS SSB Committee on Solar and Space Physics (2013-present)
• Member, panel on Solar and Heliospheric Physics, Decadal Survey of Solar and Space Physics (2001-2002)
• Member, panel on Solar and Heliospheric Physics, Decadal Survey of Solar and Space Physics (2011-2012)
• Member and co-Chair, LWS working group on Ground-based Support of Solar Probe Plus (2014)
• Member, Steering Committee, NJIT Center for Solar Terrestrial Research (2007-present)
• Member, Users Committee, Mauna Loa Solar Observatory (2012-present)
• Member, Program Committee, Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) (2012-present)
• I have served on numerous SOCs, most recently for the Moscow COSPAR session on Coronal Magnetism and Earthcube
• I have served on numerous review panels for both NSF and NASA
• I oversee the proposal evaluation and time allocation process at the NRAO

Candidate Statement

The world of science publishing has been evolving rapidly over the past two decades. At the same time, the growth of the AAS journals has continued unabated: for the first time the number of pages published by the AAS will exceed 50,000 this year! A number of issues are raised by the rapid pace of change and the rapid rate of growth, ranging from access to published work to the technologies used to serve journal content to AAS members. My experience as an ApJ science editor, as a member of the AAS Publications Board, and as a member of the Task Force on AAS Publications has allowed me to gain understanding of, and insight into, science publishing and the myriad issues now confronting both publishers and consumers of scientific content, including the changing nature of papers themselves. If elected as the Chair of the Publications Board I will work with its members and with AAS leadership to provide the advice and oversight of its publications suite and associated policies and initiatives to ensure its continuing success as publisher of the premier journals in our discipline.

Professional Title/Position

Degrees and Education

• University of Rome `La Sapienza', 1992

Research Areas, Topics, and Interests

• Star Formation in Nearby Galaxies: Origin, Evolution, and Feedback
• Dust Absorption and Emission

Services, Roles, and Activities

• Pierce/Warner Prize Committee Member (2007-2009)
• Heineman Prize Committee Member (2013-2015)
• Heineman Prize Committee Chair (2014)

Professional Experience and Positions

• Member of the HST/WFC3 Science Oversight Committee (1999-2009)
• Member of the SIRTF First Look Survey Committee (1999)
• Member of the Warm Spitzer Mission Steering Committee (2006-2007)
• Member of the Publication Committee for the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (2007-2012)
• SOFIA Science Council, Member (2009-2010)
• Virtual Astronomical Observatory Science Council, Member (2009-2012)
• North American Science Advisory Committee for ALMA, Member (2011-2014)
• NASA Cosmic Origins Program Analysis Group: Executive Committee Member (2013-2015)

Candidate Statement

Nowadays astronomy, and the sciences in general, are facing contrasting forces. On the one hand, we enjoy the enthusiastic support of many in the general public and an array of possibilities in terms of new instruments and facilities that is unprecedented. On the other hand, we still have enormous work to do in attracting young minds to STEM education, and we have to pursue research and education amid decreasing budgets. The budget situation, especially, is now getting so dire that it is pitting segments of our community one against the other, and the outlook for future facilities is dark. This is undermining the health of our profession. We need to find a common ground as a community to revert these negative tides, and ensure that there will be future generations of astronomers. The investment in future generations is our best chance to broaden the STEM education of the public at large, and become more effective at attracting young minds to the sciences.

Professional Title/Position

Degrees and Education

• University of Colorado (2001)

Research Areas, Topics, and Interests

I am particularly interested in how the universe turns raw materials into stars, and how the resulting star formation depends on the surrounding environmental conditions. To this end, I think it is important to be aware of both work being done on star formation in the Milky Way (to understand the detailed processes), as well as large scale trends that are observed on cosmological scales (in order to have a broader context). To study these processes I observe environments ranging from individual nearby dwarf galaxies, to major mergers, to galaxy groups, and I use observations at wavelengths ranging from the radio to the ultraviolet.

Services, Roles, and Activities

• AAS member (1997-date)
• Invited guest to observe AAS Council Meeting (2005)
• Beatrice M. Tinsley Prize Committee (2007-2009)
• Interview for AAS "STATUS" publication (2010)
• Table host for AAS Undergraduate Receptions (2010-2013)

Professional Experience and Positions

• Board Member, Astronomical Society of the Pacific (2013-present)
• Director, Dark Skies Bright Kids program, (2009-present)

National/International Committee Experience

• ALMA International Science Advisory Committee (2008-2014)
• ALMA North America Science Advisory Committee (2005-2014)
• ALMA Sustainable Energy Working Group (2012-2014)
• NRAO Astronomer Search Committee (2011)
• Vice Chair, ALMA International Science Advisory Committee (2010-2011)
• NRAO Green Bank Director Search Committee (2009)
• SOC, "Revolutions in Astronomy with ALMA" (2014)
• SOC, "The First Year of ALMA Science" (2012)
• SOC, "The Birth and Feedback of Massive Stars, Within and Beyond the Galaxy" (2008)
• SOC, "Hot Massive Stars: A Lifetime of Influence" (2008)
• NRAO VLA Director Search Committee (2007)
• SOC, "12 Questions in Massive Star Formation" (2007)
• LOC, "From Z-Machines to ALMA" (2005)
• NSF Committee of Visitors, AST Division (2005)

Review Panels

• Chair, Hubble Space Telescope panel (2014)
• NOAO panel (2010-2014)
• NRAO/GBT Student Support Committee (2004-2012)
• NSF CCAT Review (2011)
• NSF AAG Panel (2002, 2009)
• NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship (2009, 2013)
• Chair, Spitzer Space Telescope panel (2009)
• NSF CAREER panel member (2005)
• Hubble Space Telescope panel member (2005, 2010)
• Spitzer Space Telescope panel member (2006)

Candidate Statement

As a member of the AAS Council, I would like to help our community navigate the ebb and flow of science funding and work toward long-term health and stability. The current budget climate not only impacts our ability to make scientific advancements, but also puts STEM literacy in jeopardy and directly impacts early-career scientists who find themselves at a crossroads with difficult decisions to make. By simultaneously serving on the AAS Council and the ASP Board, I hope to enhance the interactions between these societies and find new ways for them to them to strengthen their reach and impact.

Professional Title/Position

Degrees and Education

• Harvard University (1983

Research Areas, Topics, and Interests

• Study of groups and clusters of galaxies with X-ray and radio methods
• Planning and operation of current and future space missions
• Astronomical instrumentation

Services, Roles, and Activities

• Executive Committee, High Energy Astrophysics Division (2011-2014)

Professional Experience and Positions

• Visiting Senior Scientist, NASA HQ (1993-1995)
• Experience with flight and grants programs
• Guest observer at optical, radio, and submillimeter facilities
• Organizer of meetings and symposia (recent: IAU 2012, Chandra workshop 2011, AAS 2011)
• Member or chair of NASA and NRAO review panels (1992-present)

Candidate Statement

Our science is at a historic peak, with major facilities delivering superb data and several more in development, a flow of significant discoveries, healthy scientific links to other disciplines, and an effective system of communicating results. Yet we recognize pervasive concern about our ability to extend this position into a future of restricted funding and uncertain public commitments.

This assessment suggests the following positions:

1. We are the beneficiaries of an outstanding Society built throughout a century’s work; our first effort must be to exercise responsible stewardship. We build on committed members, an expert Washington staff, publications of global reach, and a legacy of financial strength.
2. The AAS is at its core a mechanism of communication. I would pay particular attention to making our meetings attractive in subjects, location, and affordability; to the ongoing effort to improve the quality and efficiency of our publications; and to expanding the effectiveness of our outreach.
3. Many of our members, especially those early in their careers, are severely stressed by instability of support. The AAS has limited reach here, but can reduce friction by focus on improving its program of information and tutorials, development of best practices, and dissemination of statistics.

Professional Title/Position

Degrees and Education

• University of Toronto (1986)

Research Areas, Topics, and Interests

My primary research interest is mass transfer in close binary stars. Most recently, I have used time-resolved spectra to create 2D and 3D images of the gas flows around the stars with the aid of Doppler tomography. I have also used hydrodynamic simulations, synthetic spectra, and a long-term radio flare survey to interpret the images and to extract the physical properties of the various accretion phenomena in interacting binary star systems. I have also introduced a new statistical measure of association and correlation, called distance correlation, to large astrophysical databases of galaxy clusters.

Services, Roles, and Activities

• Annie J. Cannon Award Committee (2013-2015)
• Nominating Committee (2007-2010, Chair: 2009-2010)
• Harlow Shapley Visiting Lecturer (2004-present)
• Committee on the Status of Minorities in Astronomy (1997-2001)

Professional Experience and Positions

• President, IAU Commission 42, Close Binary Stars (2012-2015)
• IAU Division Steering Committee, Division G (2012-2015)
• SOC Chair for IAU Symposium 282, "From Eclipsing Binaries to Exoplanets: Essential Modeling Tools" held in Slovakia (2010-2012)
• Founding Director, SEECoS summer research program for high school students in Pennsylvania (2006-2008)

Candidate Statement

I have been a member of the American Astronomical Society for 32 years, and I am proud to be associated with this organization. During that time, the AAS has had a major influence on the public's perception of astronomy as well as the development of new astronomical instruments and techniques, which have led to a deeper understanding of our universe. Our society consists of astronomers from all walks of life and from all over the world, and it has been influential in international matters related to astronomy and science in general. I have served the AAS in several capacities, including the Nominating Committee, Cannon Award Committee, Committee on the Status of Minorities, and as a Harlow Shapley Visiting Lecturer. As a member of the AAS Council, I will help to maintain the high standards set by our Society and continue the tradition of the Council to provide guidance and leadership for the AAS members and the organization as a whole.

Professional Title/Position

Degrees and Education

• Harvard University (2001)

Research Areas, Topics, and Interests

• Evolution of large scale structure and galaxies
• Compact stellar systems
• Multi-wavelength surveys (UV/optical/IR/mm/radio & 3D spectroscopy)

Professional Experience and Positions

• REU Director, Computational Astronomy & Physics REU Program, UNC Chapel Hill (2010-present)
• PI/co-PI for NFGS/RESOLVE/AIMSS surveys (2001-present)
• Panels: ALMA and NOAO TACs, NSF Review Panels, SALT Science Committee (2008-present)
• Chair/co-Chair of Graduate Admissions/Recruiting/First-Year Advising, UNC Chapel Hill (2008-2009, (2013-present)
• Advisor, Women In Physics undergraduate organization, UNC Chapel Hill (2013-present)
• K-12 outreach: school visits, curriculum development, teacher & student workshops/events (1993-present)
• Teach For America 9th grade teacher (1991-1993)

Candidate Statement

My priorities emphasize fostering careers and encouraging diversity at all levels. In my REU director, graduate recruiting/advising, and Women In Physics advisor roles, I have listened and made changes that significantly improved recruitment and retention of women and minorities at UNC. Listening to students at the 2009 National Societies of Black & Hispanic Physicists meeting led me to start a computational REU program. Astronomy lags behind physics in attracting minorities, but we can do better by enhancing — and advertising — the practical training in advanced computing offered by astronomy degrees. Building faculty expertise in computing will promote faster-than-generational progress in research capability as well as in diversity, so I am excited to see AAS meetings now offering data science and astrostatistics workshops for everyone. I will work to expand such initiatives. AAS meetings have become an interview hub for not only postdoc/faculty jobs, but even graduate admissions. This career-making power should motivate the AAS to analyze the demographics and funding of attendees, which can inform egalitarian initiatives akin to the Rodger Doxsey travel prize. Also, scheduling dissertation talks on Thursdays needs rethinking. I welcome the chance to brainstorm with the Council, and I’d love to hear your ideas too!

Professional Title/Position

Degrees and Education

• University of Arizona (1995)

Research Areas, Topics, and Interests

• Massive stars and young stellar populations
• Star formation
• Photoionization
• Lyman continuum emitters
• Lyman-alpha emitters
• Massive star feedback
• Galactic archaeology
• Galactic chemical evolution

Services, Roles, and Activities

• Annie Jump Cannon Award review panel (2009-2011)
• Congressional Visits Day representative (2000)

Professional Experience and Positions

• AURA Observatory Council (2012-2015)
• STScI Financial Review Committee (2008-2010)
• Gemini Observatory Board of Directors (2006-2009)
• NASA Science Archives Working Group (2002-2004)
• NSF Committee of Visitors for Division of Antarctic Sciences (2009)
• NSF Committee of Visitors for Division of Astronomical Sciences (2005)
• Scientific review panels at various times for NOAO, HST, Chandra, NSF Astronomy and Astrophysics Grants, NASA Astrophysics Theory Program, Chandra Fellowship Program

Candidate Statement

Our community is now in a critical evolution, with a major transformation of our ground-based system to the LSST era; while in space, we transition to the JWST era. These revolutionary facilities will open tremendous science opportunities for us, combined with other new-generation projects, in both the near- and long-term future. At the same time, the economic recession imposed an austerity that has impeded our plans as laid out in the "Astro 2010" decadal survey. We are therefore undertaking these changes with diminished capacity, distributing fewer resources among our community. As an example, NOAO's iconic 4-m telescopes are expected to be largely supported by DOE's dark energy projects, rather than as open-access facilities for astronomy; another casualty was the International X-ray Observatory space mission. Given these conditions, it is essential that we move forward with especially circumspect planning. Our next-generation facilities, especially LSST, require large-scale preparations for new paradigms of doing science. At the same time, we must not suffocate our on-going, productive science activities. The AAS plays an important role in mediating the different needs of the community through communication, interaction, and advocacy. My priorities would be to ensure that these activities reach all stakeholders, of all demographics; and to ensure that our Society is a strong, clear voice in a rapidly evolving national and international political landscape.

Professional Title/Position

Degrees and Education

• Yale University (1987)

Research Areas, Topics, and Interests

• Galaxy formation and evolution
• Clusters of galaxies
• Globular clusters
• Public outreach

Services, Roles, and Activities

• Member, AAS (1986-present)

Professional Experience and Positions

• NASA Astrophysics Data Analysis Program Panel (2014)
• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Selection Committee, Government of Canada (2013-2015)
• Astronomy Education Panel, National Science Foundation (2014)
• CTIO Director Search Committee (2013)
• Head of Science in Chile, ESO (2007-2013)
• Space Science Enhancement Program Panel, Canadian Space Agency (2009)
• ALMA Visitor Center Advisory Committee (2009)
• International Advisory Committee, FONDAP, Comisión Nacional de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica de Chile (2009)
• Chair of Scientific Organizing Committee for "Galaxy Clusters in the Early Universe" conference (2009)
• Chair, IAU Commission 55 Working Group on New Ways of Communicating Astronomy with the Public (2007-2013)
• Head of Science Operations, Gemini South (2006-2007)
• Grant Selection Committee, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (2004-2006)
• Mauna Kea Observatories Outreach Committee (2002-2006)
• NASA Astrophysics Theory Program Review Panel (2003)
• Chief astronomy content developer, Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii (2001-2006)
• Board of Directors, Canadian Astronomical Society (1999-2002)
• Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics Peer Review Panel, National Research Council of Canada (1998)
• Canadian Telescope Time Allocation Committee (1997-1999; Chair for 1999)

Candidate Statement

I have nearly thirty years of experience as a professional astronomer, many of them spent abroad. I’ve held research, teaching and management positions in Canada, Chile, the Gambia (western Africa) and the Netherlands, as well as the United States. As ESO’s Head of Science in Chile for six years, I supervised an international staff of astronomers, postdocs and students comprised of more than two-dozen different nationalities. As a Professor of Astronomy at the University of Hawaii, I was actively involved with the international community of observatories on Mauna Kea, including authoring a new book titled A Sky Wonderful with Stars: 50 Years of Modern Astronomy on Maunakea, that will be published in 2015.

This international experience has been very enriching and fuels my commitment to fostering international efforts in astronomy. As a member of both the IAU and AAS for more than two decades, I’m familiar with the synergies and opportunities that exist between our two organizations. I would be honored to serve the American astronomical community as a member of the USNC-IAU.

Professional Title/Position

Research Areas, Topics, and Interests

• Star Formation
• Interstellar Gas Dynamics
• Galactic Structure and Dynamics
• Galaxy Evolution

Services, Roles, and Activities

• Chair, Publications Board (1998-2001)

Professional Experience and Positions

• IAU Editorial Board (2006)
• President, IAU Commission 37 on Star Clusters and Associations (2009-2012)
• IAU Executive Council substitute representing Division VII The Galactic System, Beijing (August 2012-present)
• Secretary and Steering Committee of IAU Division H on Interstellar Matter and Local Universe (2012-present)
• Organizing Committee of IAU Division H Commission 37 Star Clusters & Associations (2012-present)

IAU Resolutions Committee (2012-present)

• Member, IAU Division J Galaxies and Cosmology
• Member, IAU Division H Commission 34 Interstellar Matter

IAU Symposia contributions:

• Co-organizer IAU Colloquium 157, Barred Galaxies, Alabama (May 1995)
• co-organizer IAU Symposium 237, Triggered Star Formation in a Turbulent ISM, Prague (August 2006)
• Invited plenary talk at IAU Symposium 266, Star Clusters - Basic Galactic Building Blocks Throughout Time And Space, Rio de Janeiro (August 2009)
• Co-organizer IAU Symposium 270, Computational Star Formation, Barcelona (May 2010)
• Co-organizer IAU Focus Meeting, Scale-Free Processes, Hawaii (August 2015)

Other:

• Dannie Heineman Prize of the American Institute of Physics and the American Astronomical Society (2001)
• Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (2013-present)
• Member, AAS since 1973, RAS since 1983

Candidate Statement

The IAU represents astronomers and their interests around the world to professional societies and the general public. It decides common standards for fundamental measurements and nomenclature. It provides educational material and expertise to schools in remote regions so that everyone can learn about and enjoy our shared skies. The US National Committee for the IAU represents AAS members for important decisions concerning IAU diversity, interdisciplinary research, data access, and other matters. My experience with both organizations and with international researchers and programs will be put to use to promote wider understanding of AAS interests and to bring the news and concerns of the IAU back to our AAS members.