The American Astronomical Society is honoring Dr. Steven Federman, professor emeritus in The University of Toledo’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, among its newest class of Fellows for 2024.
The American Astronomical Society is a major international organization of professional astronomers, astronomy educators and amateur astronomers. Its Fellows classes recognize fewer than 0.5% of members each year for original research and publications, innovative contributions to astronomical techniques or instrumentation, significant contributions to education and public outreach and noteworthy service to astronomy and to the society itself.
Federman
Federman is being honored “for innovative and detailed investigations into the chemical composition and structure of interstellar gas in our galaxy, employing high-resolution observations and lab experiments, and many years of dedicated service to the global astronomical community,” according to the society.
Federman joined UToledo in 1988, following positions at New York University, the University of Texas at Austin and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He retired in 2018, but remains involved in the department through research and mentorship of undergraduate students.
Federman is one of 21 American Astronomical Society Fellows for 2024.
“The 2024 AAS Fellows class highlights the incredible work being done in our field, both in critical research advances and in tireless and devoted service to the community,” said American Astronomical Society President Kelsey Johnson of the University of Virginia. “It’s a privilege to recognize the contributions of these members of our community, and we are honored to have them as colleagues.”
Federman also is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He is a Senior Member of Optica, formerly the Optical Society of America.
Dr. Karen Bjorkman, a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, was named an American Astronomical Society Fellow in 2023.
