Candidate Statement: Nicole S. van der Bliek

nicole_vanderbliek.jpg

Nominated Office: Nominating Committee

Affiliation: NOAO

Position/title: CTIO Director (Interim)

PhD institution: University of Leiden (1997)

Areas of scientific interest:

  • Young stars
  • infrared astronomy
  • instrumentation

AAS positions:
None

Other relevant positions and experience:

  • Member of IAU-OAD Taskforce "Astronomy for Universities and Research (Office of Astronomy for Development (2012-present)
  • Chair of Review Committee of "La Silla Operations 2010+" (2010)
  • External reviewer various Conicyt Funds (2010 - present)
  • Member of several Time Allocation Committees, both USA (2005-2006) and Chilean (2009 and 2011)

Candidate statement: 

The American astronomical community has become more and more diverse, not only as astronomers working at a wide variety of institutes, but also through current and future international partnerships. We are entering an era where much of the research we do involves large collaborations and multi-national facilities. Thus, in order to maintain a vibrant astronomical community, we need leaders who understand where our field is headed and can plan for the future.

The task of nominating committee is to ensure that a diverse set of candidates are eligible as officers, capable of representing the interests of the astronomical community in the scientific, educational and political arena. Identifying these candidates for the various offices is an important job that needs to be done thoroughly and with care.

Through my position at CTIO/NOAO and my European background, I have a broad network within the astronomical community, both in and outside the USA, e.g. in Chile and in Europe. I also bring a familiarity with the range of science done by our community. I will make full use of this network to identify and put forward the best candidates to represent the AAS, its activities and its community.