News and Events
Judy Young, University of Massachusetts Astronomy Professor and longtime resident of Amherst, passed away in the early morning Friday, May 23, 2014.
Judy was born Sept. 15, 1952, to Bob and Vera Rubin, the latter a noted astronomer whose teachings on black holes inspired Judy to become an astronomer as well. Judy earned a bachelor's degree with honors from Radcliffe/Harvard University in 1974 and a doctorate in physics from the University of Minnesota in 1979.
Judy served as professor of astronomy at UMass from 1993 to 2013. Her work on star formation in galaxies earned international recognition and many awards throughout her distinguished career. She was a tireless support and friend to the many students she mentored, who remember her for her dedication, passion, humor and warmth. She dreamed up and built the UMass Sunwheel, a stone circle whose 8-10 ft. standing stones line up with the rising and setting sun during solstices and equinoxes. Judy led seasonal sunrise and sunset gatherings at the Sunwheel, making the connections between sky and earth real for over 8,000 visitors. Judy enthusiastically shared not only her knowledge and passion for science with those around her, but also her deep love of living.
There will be two memorial services held in her honor:
1) On Wednesday June 4th, at 7 pm, friends and family of Judy Young will gather at the UMass Sunwheel to celebrate Judy's life with songs, silence, and stories, led by Gabrielli LaChiara. This gathering will be held rain or shine, under the open sky. Please come prepared, whether that means bringing a folding chair, an umbrella, or leaving your shoes in the car!
2) On Thursday June 5th, at 10 am, friends and family will gather at the Jewish Community of Amherst for a more traditional Jewish memorial service led by Rabbi Weiner, followed by a social hour and snacks.
Please share information about the two memorial services with anyone who knew Judy.
The William F. Field Alumni Scholars Program was established in 1976 to recognize and honor third-year students for their academic achievements at UMass Amherst. The program was named in honor of William F. Field, the university’s first Dean of Students, for his outstanding support of academic excellence and his personal commitment to bringing out the best in every student. Kevin Harrington, a third year Astronomy major, was awarded the Field Scholarship for 2014.
Marie Calapa, a senior in the Department of Astronomy, was recently notified that she has been selected to receive the Spring 2013-2014 UMass Amherst Rising Researcher student achievement award. This new award, sponsored by the Vice Chancellors for University Relations and Research Engagement, recognizes exceptional UMass Amherst undergraduate students who excel in research, scholarship, or creative activity. As part of this special recognition, she will receive an engraved award, special recognition in campus publicity, and an opportunity for her, her advisor, and special guests to meet the Chancellor and Mrs. Subbaswamy at a spring reception on April 23rd.
Professor Daniela Calzetti has been elected as an Overseas Fellow at the Churchill College in Cambridge, UK, for the Fall of 2014.
It was recently announced by the TMT Science Advisory Committee that Professor Mauro Giavalisco has been selected to be a member of the "Early universe, galaxy formation and the intergalactic medium" International Science Development Team (ISDT) of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT).
Professor Daniela Calzetti has been invited as a Raymond and Beverley Sackler Distinguished Visitor to the Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge, UK, for the Fall of 2014. She will be spending two months of her sabbatical year at the Institute of Astronomy.
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Professor Daniel Wang was recently elected to a three-year term on the Executive Committee of the High Energy Division of the American Astronomical Society.
Professor Daniel Calzetti has been nominated Chair of the AAS Dannie Heineman Prize Committee for the year 2014. Her term on the committee will continue until the end of 2015.
Professor Daniela Calzetti has been nominated to the NASA COPAG (Cosmic Origins Program Analysis Group) Executive Committee, with a 3 year term. See article on NASA COPAG.
