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.