Candidate Statement: Patricia Knezek

Nominated Office: Nominating Committee

Affiliation: n/a

Position/title: n/a

PhD institution: University of Massachusetts (1993)

Areas of scientific interest:

• evolution of galaxies
• star formation in galaxies, especially in dwarf and low surface brightness galaxies

AAS positions: 

• Council member (2010-2013)
• Investment Advisory Committee (2012-2013)
• Demographics Committee (2011-2014)
• Appointments Committee (2010-2013)
• Sustainability Committee (2010-2014)
• Committee on the Status of Women in Astronomy (2002-2008, chair 2003-2007)

Other relevant positions and experience:

• Director, WIYN Observatory (2010-2013)
• U.S. Delegate, World Radiocommunications Conference (2015)
• Director, WIYN Observatory (2010-2013)
• Deputy Director, WIYN Observatory (2005-2010)
• Scientist, National Optical Astronomy Observatory (2001-2013)
• WFC3 Team member (1999-2001)
• Elected “Fellow,” Association for Women in Science (2007)

Committees:

• Chair, NOAO Telescope Allocation Committee (extragalactic; 2009)
• Member, Demographics Working Group for Astro2010 Decadal Survey (2009)
• Member, IYA2009: "She is an Astronomer" IAU Task Group (2008-2011)
• Chair, CSWA-sponsored AAS Longitudinal Study Ad Hoc Committee (2006-2013)
• Member, Washington Area Astronomers Executive Committee (1999-2001)
• Space Telescope Science Institute Director’s Leadership Forum (2000-2001)
• Space Telescope Science Institute Key Users Committee (2000-2001)

Professional Societies:

• American Astronomical Society (1987-present)
• International Astronomical Union (2009-present)
• Association for Women in Science (2006-present)
• High Energy Astrophysics Division (1994-present)

Panels:

• NSF astronomy proposal review (AAPF; PREST (chair); CAREER; AAG)
• AAS Small Research Grant review panel (2004)
• IDEAS grants review panel 2005; 2001 (chair); 2000) 
• NASA/IGES (2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2002)
• Member of organizing committees for five international meetings, plus organized numerous AAS Special Sessions

While CSWA Chair, oversaw the creation and endorsement of the “Pasadena Recommendations,” and co-founded the Longitudinal Study

Served as AAS Council liaison for the successful establishment of the Working Group on LGBTIQ Equality (WGLE; now Committee for Sexual-Orientation & Gender Minorities in Astronomy [SGMA])

Candidate Statement: I am currently a federal employee, but if elected will serve as a private citizen. Throughout my astronomical career I have been an advocate for diversity. Given that the AAS serves as the voice of our astronomical community, it is critical that the individuals who are nominated to run for office reflect the diversity that our community encompasses. My broad range of experience includes experience in the federal sector, former Director of a consortium that serves the entire astronomical community through NOAO, a range of experience at large and small educational institutions, and being a scientist at NOAO. My research background spans research from X-rays to radio, working at universities (both as a researcher and teacher), working at both ground-based and space-based centers, living and working in both the northern and southern hemispheres, and teaching secondary school science. I have experience working with individuals in nearly all areas of astronomy in many different venues, and have been involved in education and public outreach for my entire career. My broad background and experience provides me with significant knowledge of our community, and if elected, I will work to ensure that each slate of AAS candidates represents a diverse group of candidates.