Candidate Statement: Pamela Gay

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Nominated Office: USNC-IAU

Affiliation: Astronomical Society of the Pacific

Position/title: Director of Technology and Citizen Science

PhD institution: University of Texas (2002)

Areas of scientific interest:

  • Big Data
  • Variable Stars
  • Citizen Science

AAS positions & dates:

  • Solar Eclipse Task Force, member (2015-2017)
  • Task Force on Education, member (2015-2016)
  • Chambliss Award Committee, member (2011-2011), Chair (2011)
  • International Year of Astronomy task force, chair of US New Media working group (2008 - 2010)

Other relevant positions and experience:

  • IAU, Division C Secretary (2015 - present)
  • Communicator Award, Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (2015)
  • IAU, Communicating Astronomy to the Public Society Organizing Committee (2011 - present)
  • IAU, New Media working group co-chair (2009-2012)
  • IAU, International Year of Astronomy, co-chair of international New Media task force (2008 - 2010)
  • Outstanding Science Educator of the Year St. Louis Academy of Sciences (2012)
  • Researcher of the of Year Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chapter of Sigma Xi (2012)

Candidate Statement: I have been actively involved in leadership and committee roles in both the AAS and IAU since 2008. This experience allows me to understand both the shared scientific and educational goals of the two organizations, as well as the cultural differences in how they work toward accomplishing these goals. As the USNC-IAU Category I representative, I would: build-on existing AAS-IAU connections; provide regular information to AAS members on how they can tap into IAU-funded resources, funding opportunities, and infrastructure; and to listen to the AAS membership so I can take our national concerns and needs to the IAU.