Timothy M. Heckman

Dr. A. Hermann Pfund Professor; Director, Center for Astrophysical Sciences; Professor of Physics and Astronomy. Leading expert in the evolution of galaxies, in particular the role of massive star formation bursts (starbursts) and accreting supermassive black holes in shaping galactic evolution. Heckman has pioneered the use of multi-wavelength observations to establish the basic physical nature and triggering of starbursts, and to explore the relationships between star formation and black hole powered nuclear activities in galaxies. His many seminal contributions include the discovery of a new class of low-level nuclear activity (the LINER phenomenon), and the discovery of massive outflows of gas and metals from starburst galaxies. His group used the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) to carry out the definitive study of the evolution and nuclear activities in present-day galaxies, providing a new quantitative physical framework for understanding the physical and evolutionary nature of the Hubble sequence of galaxies. In addition to being a prolific researcher (37,700 citations, Hirsch factor H=101), Heckman has a strong record of leadership and service at the university, national, and international levels.