In the lead-up to next week’s 15th High Energy Astrophysics Division (HEAD) meeting, we wanted to introduce you to our new Lead Editor for the High Energy Phenomena and Fundamental Physics corridor.
More About Frank
Frank is a researcher at Arizona State University and a recent awardee of the Simons Fellowship in Theoretical Physics. His research interests span a broad range of topics, including gamma-ray astronomy, stellar evolution and supernovae, and high-performance computing and next-generation internet. Among his current activities is, as he puts it, “the development, care, and nurturing of the MESA (Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics) project” — a well-known stellar evolution software instrument likely to be familiar to anyone working in the field of stellar astrophysics.
In January 2016, Frank was appointed Lead Editor to the new High Energy Phenomena and Fundamental Physics corridor for AAS journals. What are some of the interesting things he sees on the horizon for these fields? “The integrated whole of new observations from current missions such as NuSTAR and LIGO to near-future missions, coupled with advances in fundamental theory and modeling capabilities with the next generation of computing resources.”
Outlook for the HEAD Meeting
The HEAD meeting, occurring 3-7 April in Naples, Florida, promises to be packed full of the latest science coming from the field. For three and a half days, talks, posters and town halls will highlight research on topics from supernovae to cosmic rays, discussing both theory and observations from space- and ground-based observatories.
When asked what he anticipates some of the most exciting topics will be at this year’s meeting, Frank is enthusiastic: “It’s all exciting! I’m looking forward to the special sessions — especially the time-domain astronomy, gravitational waves, and the three accretion sessions. The poster session is often the most insightful, as that’s usually where the rubber meets the road.”
On Being An Author
Frank has been working with the AAS journals since 2009. In his view, the best publications are those that contain significant new results or theories and reflect sufficiently high scientific standards. “A well-authored manuscript is one that tells its story with conciseness, accuracy, and clarity in its prose.”
In closing, Frank offers three suggestions for potential authors:
- Watch this youtube video for advice on how to be a successful author.
- Give credit to one’s peers for their contributions.
- Turnabout is fair play — be a willing and on-time referee when asked!
Frank will be around at the HEAD meeting next week, or he can be reached by email if you have any questions for him about the new High Energy Phenomena and Fundamental Physics corridor.