Abstract

While modern astronomy is increasingly focused on large [multi-national] observatories, on the ground or in space, traditional, university based, observatories have important roles to fill, if the right complementarity can be identified, in terms of instrument and program selection.  How to select, and ensure the completion of, innovative, and/or large programs, and balance these with the “bread-and-butter” programs of the user community is a crucial question to ensure the scientific and financial strength of any observatory.

In this talk I will discuss my experience in observatory management, including user and [staff-] research support, scheduling, as well as interactions with the US and international community, partners, and funding agencies.

I will also highlight my experience in multi-wavelength observations from the radio to X-rays, including observations at over 30 ground-based telescope (including both the 2.1 and 2.7m telescopes at McDonald), focusing on high-resolution spectroscopy and multi-band polarimetry of the interstellar medium.  I will particularly highlight an on-going program aimed at understanding the physical mechanisms behind interstellar grain alignment, and hence polarization and magnetic-field studies.