Candidate Statement: Knut Olsen

knut_olsen.jpg

Nominated Office: Nominating Committee

Affiliation: National Optical Astronomy Observatory

Position/title: Associate Astronomer

PhD institution: University of Washington, 1998

Areas of scientific interest:

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

AAS positions: n/a

Other relevant positions and experience:

  • 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.