Candidate Statement: Gregory-Louis (Lou) Strolger

Gregory-Louis (Lou) Strolger

Nominated Office: At-Large Trustee

Affiliation: Space Telescope Science Institute

Position/Title: Observatory Scientist, Deputy Head of Instruments Division

PhD Institution: University of Michigan (2003)

Areas of scientific interest:

  • Supernovae
  • Supernova progenitors
  • Cosmology
  • Dark energy

AAS positions & dates:

  • Chair, Pierce/Warner Prize Committee (2017)
  • Member, Pierce/Warner Prize Committee (2016 – 2017)
  • Member, AAS Governance Task Force (2016 – 2017)
  • Chair, Committee on the Status of Minorities in Astronomy (CSMA) (2008 – 2013)

Other relevant positions and experience:

  • Chair, Committee on Minorities in Physics, American Physical Society (2012 – 2013)
  • Member, Committee on Minorities in Physics, American Physical Society (2009 – 2012)

Candidate Statement:

Thank you for considering me for the AAS Board of Trustees. I am very excited about the science to come this decade, and even more excited about our opportunity to proactively create a more equitable and inclusive science community.

As the governing body of the AAS, the Board of Trustees oversees the direction and control of the Society's affairs and property, and also devises policy through actions and resolutions. Coordination with the AAS Committees and Divisions, separately and through the Strategic Assembly, is vital to these activities.

I would bring my experience having been involved in science policy for much of my professional career, and my history of service on several societal and professional advisory committees. As a recent highlight, I had a key role in developing the dual-anonymous proposal review process for observing time on the Hubble Space Telescope. I have been pleased to see that model widely replicated at other ground and space facilities, as well as to guide hiring. I am similarly engaged in other activities to advance diversity, inclusion, and equity, and while there is still a lot to do on many fronts, and I am encouraged by the increasing interest in our community to take bold actions.

I feel these experiences, as a leader, researcher, and former educator will all be brought to bear in effective interactions with the Board and Assembly, with the Committees and advisories, and most importantly with fellow members of the Society to see through the mission of the AAS, while shepherding our communal vision of a vibrant and diverse field.