New Division Director for NSF Division of Astronomical Sciences

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Richard Green as the Division Director in the Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST), effective 18 September 2017.

Dr. Green brings to this position his exceptional experience both as an astronomer and a manager. He has worked as an astronomer at several facilities, including Kitt Peak National Observatory, Steward Observatory, and the National Optical Astronomy Observatory. Prior to joining NSF, Dr. Green served as the Director of Kitt Peak National Observatory, Director of the Large Binocular Telescope Observatory, and most recently, as Director of the University of Arizona/United Kingdom Infrared Telescope Observatory. He has also served as a member of the American Astronomical Society Council and President of Commission 50 of the International Astronomical Union (Protection of Existing and Potential Observatory Sites). Dr. Green comes to NSF as a rotator from the University of Arizona. He received a bachelor’s degree in astronomy from Harvard in 1971 and a PhD in astronomy from the California Institute of Technology in 1977. Dr. Green’s primary research interest is in the area of active galaxies and quasars.

We would also like to thank Dr. Ralph Gaume and Dr. Ed Ajhar for their eight months of service as Acting Division Director and Acting Deputy Division Director, respectively. Dr. Gaume will return to his previous role as AST Deputy Division Director, while Dr. Ajhar will continue his role as an AST Program Officer.