Biography:
Catharine Katy D. Garmany was born on March 6, 1946. She is an accomplished astronomer who has made significant contributions to the field of astrophysics. Garmany’s passion for the cosmos led her to pursue higher education in the field, obtaining a B.S. in astrophysics from Indiana University in 1966. She continued her academic journey, earning a M.A. in astrophysics in 1968 and a Ph.D. in astronomy in 1971 from the University of Virginia.
Throughout her career, Garmany has focused her research on massive stars and their evolution and formation, as well as astronomical education. Her expertise in these areas has garnered her recognition both within the scientific community and beyond. From 1998 to 2001, Garmany served as a board member of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific and later became its vice president from 2001 to 2003.
Garmany is widely known for her work on star formation. She has explored the fascinating phenomenon of OB associations, which are groups of massive stars that defy typical gravitational bounds. These OB associations are crucial in the production of heavy elements through stellar explosions. Garmany once stated, an OB association is the closest thing to nothing that is still something. She emphasizes the pivotal role of these stars in the existence of planets like Earth.
In 1976, Garmany received the prestigious Annie J. Cannon Award in Astronomy from the American Astronomical Society, a testament to her immense contributions to the field. Her research not only expands our understanding of the universe but also inspires future generations of astronomers.
Garmany’s professional history is notable and spans various institutions and teaching positions. After completing her Ph.D., she worked as a research associate at the University of Virginia’s Department of Astronomy from 1971 to 1973. She also taught for three semesters at Sweet Briar College in Virginia.
In 1975, Garmany made a significant move to Colorado, where she joined the Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics (JILA) as a research associate. She also began teaching general undergraduate and graduate level astronomy at the University of Colorado. Garmany’s dedication and expertise led to her selection as a fellow at the Center for Astrophysics and Space Astronomy (CASA) at the University of Colorado in 1985. She continued her research at JILA and CASA, contributing to the advancement of astrophysics.
Throughout her career, Garmany has held multiple leadership positions. She served as the chair of JILA and also directed the Sommers-Bausch Observatory and Fiske Planetarium at the University of Colorado. Her commitment to education extended to teaching undergraduate, graduate, elementary, and general public audiences.
Garmany is a member of esteemed scientific organizations, including the International Astronomical Union, the American Astronomical Society, the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, and the International Planetarium Society. Her influence reaches beyond her research, as she continues to inspire and educate aspiring astronomers.
Awards:
– Annie J. Cannon Award in Astronomy from the American Astronomical Society (1976)