Professor recognized for stellar research
April 14, 2011
CHARLESTON, SC – April 14, 2011 – Distinguished Citadel astronomer receives Governor’s Award of Excellence Citadel Professor Saul Adelman has been chosen to receive the 2011 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Scientific Research at an Undergraduate Institution in recognition for his work on the chemical composition of stellar atmospheres.
“Professor Adelman’s life has been dedicated to advancing the science of stellar astronomy, educating students to the highest standard and interpreting science to the general public,” said Charles Groetsch, dean of the School of Science and Mathematics. “He is truly deserving of this award.”
While the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Scientific Research has been given for some time, this is the first time for the award on the undergraduate institution level. The award will be presented at the 2011 S.C. Academy of Science Annual Meeting which will be hosted at S.C. State University on April 16. Adelman is a distinguished stellar astronomer with a long and continuous record of research, teaching and mentoring of undergraduates, and professional service to the scientific community and the general public. His published works include more than 300 peer reviewed journal articles.
An international specialist in the chemical composition of stellar atmospheres, Adelman has expertly applied techniques of high dispersion spectroscopy and spectrophotometry to significantly advance the understanding of the atmospheres of many classes of stars. His research has been continually supported over the past 35 years by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Science Foundation, and NATO.
Adelman’s contributions to science are compounded by his efforts to educate the public about his field. He is the author of Bound for the Stars: Travel in the Solar System and Beyond, and he was the associate producer of the South Carolina Educational Television Network program The Perfect Stargazer, first broadcast in 1990. This film won a Bronze Medal at the Houston International Film and Video Festival in 1991. Adelman has been at The Citadel since 1978.
