The Gemini Observatory has appointed Jennifer Lotz as its next director.
The Gemini Observatory has appointed Jennifer Lotz as its next director.
Lotz, formerly an associate astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute, will serve a five-year term as Gemini director, replacing interim director Laura Ferrarese, who in turn replaced previous director Markus Kissler-Patig.
“I’m excited by the science at the twin Gemini telescopes right now and by the opportunity to help Gemini Observatory make the most of its full potential,” Lotz said in a statement. “Gemini is truly poised to lead the way in high spatial resolution imaging, spectroscopy and rapid response astronomy.” Lotz received a doctorate in astrophysics from Johns Hopkins University in 2003, where she subsequently served as a research scientist. Lotz specializes in studying galaxy evolution, the high-redshift universe and gravitational lensing.
“Jennifer’s experience and leadership in a wide range of observational astrophysics is a great fit for Gemini’s future,” said Matt Mountain, president of the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, which manages Gemini on behalf of the National Science Foundation.
