Candidate Statement: Derek Buzasi

Nominated Office: Nominating Committee

Affiliation: Florida Gulf Coast University

Position/title: Professor and Whitaker Eminent Scholar

PhD institution: Penn State University (1989)

Areas of scientific interest:

• variable stars
• asteroseismology
• exoplanets
• instrumentation

AAS positions: 

• Member, AAS, HEAD, SPD (1988-present)
• AAS Agent (2014-present)
• AAS Career Center (2014-15)

Other relevant positions and experience:

• IAU (2003-present)
• Sigma Xi (1990-present)
• Numerous NASA review and advisory panels, including ADP/ADP, LTSA, Astrophysics Theory, Chandra, Keck, Kepler, AISR, Explorer Program, NVO SDT, etc.
• NSF review panels, including AAG, GRFP, etc.
• NASA Visiting Senior Scientist (Rotator, 1994-96)
• Kepler Asteroseismic Science Consortium (KASC, 2000-present)

Candidate Statement: The nominating committee’s task is to identify capable, dedicated, and enthusiastic candidates for AAS leadership positions who reflect all of the varied qualities and qualifications of the society’s members. I have worked in a broad range of institutions, from small colleges to research universities and governmental organizations, and made use a cross-section of astronomical tools including multiwavelength observations, theory, and instrumentation, which gives me a strong basis for identifying such candidates. I’ve served productively on numerous committees from the institutional to the national level, and understand how to contribute in collegial yet meaningful ways. Finally, I also believe that the committee membership should reflect the society as a whole, and my current status as a faculty member at a comprehensive university will help to give voice to those society members who are not at research universities. If elected, I would be honored to serve as a member of the nominating committee, and would provide thoughtful and conscientious service to the AAS.