Candidate Statement: Alice K. B. Monet

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Nominated Office: Secretary

Affiliation: US Naval Observatory (retired)

Position/title: Astronomical Software Products

PhD institution: University of Virginia (1984)

Areas of scientific interest:

  • Education and public outreach in astronomy and space science
  • Use of planetariums for STEM education
  • Development of software and web-based tools for astronomical applications
  • Astrometry and physical characterization of small bodies of the Solar System, including near-Earth objects, asteroids, comets, planetary satellites, and KBOs
  • Earth orientation, crustal motion, and prediction of variations in the Length of Day (LOD)

AAS positions & dates:

  • DDA Committee (1990 – 92)
  • DDA Vice-Chair (1992 – 1993)
  • Brouwer Award Selection Committee (1993)
  • DDA Chair (1993 – 1994)
  • DDA Committee (2005 – 2007)
  • DDA LOC, DDA Secretary (2008 – 2014, 2009)
  • DDA Treasurer (2015 – 2018)

Other relevant positions and experience: Founding member, board member, and chief executive officer (for 7 years) of a small non-profit organization supporting STEM education in local public schools (2010-present)

Candidate Statement:

I've been a member of the AAS for just over 40 years, and have served in every possible office of the Division on Dynamical Astronomy during that time. I have also been a member of the Division of Planetary Sciences and the Historical Astronomy Division on occasion. Over the past decade, I've participated regularly in the leadership meetings at the AAS Executive Office, and had the opportunity to work with many of the staff members of the AAS, as well as the officers of the other divisions. Over the years, the Society has grown bigger and more complex, and has expanded its role beyond publications and meeting organization. I feel that with my extensive experience as a member and officer, I'm well prepared to contribute to the society as Secretary. In addition, my experiences working for many years as one of the few female astronomers at the Naval Observatory have made me sensitive to the continuing challenges faced by women in our profession. My education and public outreach work have made me keenly aware of the barriers to greater participation in the sciences by under-represented communities. I would welcome the opportunity to put my skills and experience to work supporting the AAS as needed, including addressing the issues of inclusion and diversity in astronomy.