Last week we issued a call for new members to join the Committee on the Status of Women in Astronomy. This volunteer opportunity connects you with others supporting women astronomers in various ways. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the Google form.
Since 1979, over 100 people have been members of the CSWA and have worked to recommend to the AAS Board of Trustees practical measures that can be taken to improve the status of women in astronomy and encourage their entry into this field. The CSWA's Resources page and External page have a plethora of information to help women advance in the field.
Thank you to the past members of the CSWA and the work you have done for us.
CSWA Current Members
Name: Jeremy Bailin
Institution: University of Alabama
Specialty Research Area: Galaxy Formation, Globular Clusters
Something Interesting: Former radio DJ
Name: Regina A. Jorgenson
Institution: Maria Mitchell Association, Director of Astronomy
Specialty Research Area: Galaxy Formation and Evolution
Something Interesting: I’m an ethical and compassionate vegan.
Name: Stella Kafka
Institution: Independent contributor
Specialty Research Area: Cataclysmic Variables
Something interesting about me: I have a 6-year-old Yorkie; I work for him.
Why I enjoy/value being part of the CSWA: Being part of the CSWA is especially meaningful to me because it brings together my passion for astronomy, equity, and empowering the next generation of scientists. Co-editing the newsletter gives me the opportunity to amplify diverse voices, celebrate achievements, highlight persistent challenges, and foster conversations that can lead to meaningful change. Most of all, I value being part of a community committed to making astronomy more inclusive, welcoming, and equitable for everyone.
Institution: Independent contributor
Specialty Research Area: Cataclysmic Variables
Something interesting about me: I have a 6-year-old Yorkie; I work for him.
Why I enjoy/value being part of the CSWA: Being part of the CSWA is especially meaningful to me because it brings together my passion for astronomy, equity, and empowering the next generation of scientists. Co-editing the newsletter gives me the opportunity to amplify diverse voices, celebrate achievements, highlight persistent challenges, and foster conversations that can lead to meaningful change. Most of all, I value being part of a community committed to making astronomy more inclusive, welcoming, and equitable for everyone.
Name: Dr. Karly Pitman (she/her/hers)
Institution: Chair, AAS CSWA
Specialty Research Area: planetary & ISM dust; radiative transfer & laboratory astrophysics
Something Interesting: I design and sew clothing.
Institution: Dartmouth College
Specialty Research Area: Galactic Archaeology
Something Interesting: I swim with the UV Rays master's team in White River Junction, VT (which is part of the upper valley, or UV, region hence our team name).
Name: Sukanya Chakrabarti
Institution: UAH
Specialty Research Area: precision measurements to constrain dark matter
Something Interesting: I am starting to do karate again after about 7 years and am currently on my way to a karate camp 😀
Name: Eric Hooper
Institution: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Specialty Research Area: AGN and galaxy connection; radio surveys.
Specialty Research Area: AGN and galaxy connection; radio surveys.
Something Interesting: I've been a downhill skier since my 6th birthday.
Name: Emily Moravec
Institution: Green Bank Observatory
Specialty Research Area: Galaxy clusters, radio-AGN, and the interaction between clusters and radio-AGN
Something interesting about me: I am a paragliding pilot and enjoy growing flowers.
Why I enjoy/value being part of the CSWA: I want to contribute to making the field of astronomy/astrophysics a more inclusive environment.
Institution: UH Manoa Sociology PhD student
Specialty Research Area: Space, Society and Sustainability
Something interesting about me: I was a 3x NASA intern.
Why I enjoy/value being part of the CSWA: I’m interested in making science and space more accessible while exploring the social systems shaping our future on Earth and beyond.
Institution: Independent contributor, chief blogger CSWA
Specialty Research Area: Science Communication
Something interesting about me: I currently live in Portugal.
Why I enjoy/value being part of the CSWA: I enjoy using my love of space and science and my communication skills to highlight this important committee and women in astronomy in general.
