Oswalt Appointed to NASA Subcommittee

Terry Oswalt, professor and head of the Department of Physics and Space Sciences, has been appointed to the Astrophysics Science Subcommittee of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Advisory Council. His appointment continues until March 1, 2014.

The Astrophysics Science Subcommittee evaluates the performance of ongoing NASA astronomy and astrophysics missions and makes recommendations regarding which new missions should be developed and funded.

The subcommittees of the NASA Advisory Council Science Committee are a vital link between the science community and the policies and programs that NASA pursues. In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the subcommittees report to the NASA Science Committee. Their meetings are held to solicit from the scientific community and other persons scientific and technical information relevant to NASA program planning.

Oswalt has been a member of the Florida Tech faculty since 1982 and was the first professional astronomer in the Department of Physics and Space Sciences. He serves on a number of professional society and funding agency committees each year. From 1998 to 2000, Dr. Oswalt was National Science Foundation Program Director for Stellar Astronomy and Astrophysics. After returning to Florida Tech in 2000, he served as associate dean for research, College of Science (2000-5), and interim vice provost for research (2005-6). He has written more than 180 scientific articles and has edited three astronomy books. He is currently editing a six-volume series of astronomy reference books.

The Florida Tech Department of Physics and Space Sciences is home to the largest research telescope in Florida as well as one of the largest astronomy-related undergraduate programs in the United States.