Candidate Statement: Susana Deustua

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Nominated Office: Vice-President

Affiliation: Space Telescope Science Institute

Position/title: Associate Scientist

PhD institution: U. Michigan-Ann Arbor (1992)

Areas of scientific interest:

  • Observational extragalactic astronomy
  • Supernova cosmology calibration
  • Absolute spectrophotometric calibration astronomy education
  • Education research, outreach

AAS positions & dates:

  • Director of Education (2002-2008)
  • Astronomy Education Board (2002-2008)
  • Nominating Committee (2010-2013), Chair (2012)
  • Co-I, AAS/AIP Longitudinal Survey of Astronomy Graduate Students (2007- present)

Other relevant positions and experience:

  • Vice-President, IAU Division C (Education, Outreach and Heritage), 2015-2018
  • AUI-NRAO EPO Advisory Council Member (2016-present)
  • Co-Chair, VLASS Education and Outreach Working Group (2014-present)
  • Network for Astronomy School Education (2009-present)
  • Science Coordination Group for JDEM (2008-2009)
  • IAU IYA2009 Executive Working Group (2007-2010)
  • Co-chair US IYA 2009 (2006-2010)
  • AAS Harlow Shapley Lecturer (2006-present)
  • JDEM Science Definition Team (2004-2007)

Candidate Statement: A vibrant Astronomical Society enables all to share experiences, exchange ideas and communicate results on the many topics and issues that reflect the varied and intersecting interests of the astronomical community - from straight up astronomical research, professional scientific conduct, careers, technology, instrumentation and more. Our AAS Vice Presidents, as representatives of the Council, are responsible for organizing the content and conduct of the semi-annual meetings, which are so vital to our profession. The Society and our profession have changed significantly in the last decade in all respects: new technologies allow ever-larger telescopes and instrumentation, how we carry out research is different (large surveys, big data), astronomy education is mainstream. Who we are (demographics) is also changing. I will work to promote a dynamic and relevant Society, incorporating evidence-based changes (AAS Meeting Task Force report, Demographics Survey) endeavoring that our Society provide each one of us with the professional and respectful environment for participation as well as reflect the range of activity and diversity in the astronomical sciences, mindful of intersectional factors. For example, while Director of Education, the number of education sessions at the meetings more than doubled and the popular weekend sessions were implemented. It will be an honor and a pleasure to serve the AAS.