Cominsky named to National Academies committee reviewing astronomy and astrophysics priorities
Dr. Lynn Cominsky, founder and Director Emerita of Sonoma State University’s EdEon STEM Learning, has been named to a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine committee conducting a mid-decade assessment of the 2020 Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey.
The committee will review progress by NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of Energy toward implementing the priorities outlined in “Pathways to Discovery in Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 2020s” – commonly known as Astro2020. Its work will examine scientific and technological developments, agency alignment with decadal priorities, workforce development, technology maturation, data infrastructure, international partnerships, and opportunities for cross-agency collaboration.
The assessment will not revisit the scientific priorities or mission recommendations established by Astro2020. Instead, it will evaluate progress toward implementation and recommend actions that maximize the scientific return of federal investments in astronomy and astrophysics.
“I am honored to be appointed to the mid-decadal review for Astronomy, as it is an excellent opportunity for me to give back to the community that has supported me throughout my career,” Cominsky said.
Cominsky, a professor in Sonoma State University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, recently transitioned to a half-retired role after 39 years on the faculty. In 1999, she founded SSU’s EdEon STEM Learning, originally known as Education and Public Outreach, and now serves as its Director Emerita.
Cominsky has been recognized as Sonoma State University’s Outstanding Professor and California Professor of the Year by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. She is a Fellow of the California Council on Science and Technology, American Physical Society, American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Astronomical Society, and Sigma Xi. Her honors include the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society, the Wang Family Excellence Award from the California State University, and the Frank J. Malina Education Medal from the International Astronautical Federation.
For more information about the committee and the other members serving, visit the National Academies of Science website. To read more about Prof. Lynn Cominsky, visit her website at https://universe.sonoma.edu/~lynnc/.