Daily Brief

KU Astronomers Participate in 2025 American Astronomical Society Meeting

Kutztown University was well-represented at the 245th Meeting of the American Astronomical Society (AAS), Jan. 12-16, National Harbor, Md. The AAS meeting is the nation’s premier astronomy conference and AAS 245 was the largest gathering of astronomers in history. KU's delegation consisted of faculty (Dr. Phill Reed), current students (Evan Curtin, Philip Jahn, Alex Schroll) and alumni (Zachary Raup ‘23, Lauren Murphy ‘23, Fatima Kamara ‘24, Sohayla Emam ‘24) and was funded by Reed’s research grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
The KU astronomers presented some of their research results with:
- A Catalog of Spectroscopic Stellar Parameters for Southern Exoplanet Host Candidates
- Follow up observations of TESS planetary candidates TOI-3696, TOI- 3735, TOI-4009, TOI-4147, TOI-4149, TOI-5759
- Continued Monitoring of KU Cygni's Accretion Disk
The group’s recent peer-reviewed publications include:
- Migration and Evolution of giant ExoPlanets (MEEP). I. Nine Newly Confirmed Hot Jupiters from the TESS Mission (The Astronomical Journal, 2024)
- Identification of the Top TESS Objects of Interest for Atmospheric Characterization of Transiting Exoplanets with JWST (The Astronomical Journal, 2024)
- TOI-1135 b: A Young Hot Saturn-size Planet Orbiting a Solar-type Star (Astronomy and Astrophysics, 2024)
The participants also experienced press conferences, NASA and NSF town halls, exciting plenary talks and many networking opportunities. They learned about the latest cutting-edge research in astrophysics and they participated in data-analysis workshops in preparation to work with the James Webb Space Telescope and the forthcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

Phillip Reed, Physical Sciences

KU Planetarium to Reopen to Public

We've been transforming our planetarium with a new advanced multiple-projector system which offers sharper and more vibrant visuals than ever before. The planetarium will be open Thursday, March 27, and Thursday, April 17, for presentations of our newest show. Journey through the cosmos in "Legends of the Starry Realm," where ancient myths and celestial wonders collide. From the mighty gods and fearsome beasts of the night sky, to the real astronomical phenomena that inspired them, this immersive experience blends thrilling storytelling with stunning visuals. KU staff and faculty are invited to early shows at 11 a.m.
- 11 a.m. Thursday, March 27 (KU staff/faculty)
- 7 p.m. Thursday. March 27 (open to the public)
- 11 a.m. Thursday, April 17 (KU staff/faculty)
- 7 p.m. Thursday, April 17 (open to the public)
Please note that "Legends of the Starry Realm" is designed for a general audience, but some scenes may be intense or frightening for certain viewers, especially young children.

Planetarium

Phill Reed, Physical Sciences/KU Planetarium and Observatory

Orchestra Concert

Join us for an unforgettable evening with the KU Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13, Schaeffer Auditorium. Celebrate the power of music and diversity as we showcase the incredible talents of the KU Concerto Competition winners and collaborate with Hearts for Music.

Learn More

Maya Strava Kokkinou, Music

30% off Apparel and Gift at KU Campus Store

Enjoy 30% off apparel and gift at the KU Campus Store today, Thursday, March 13. But wait, there's more:
- Champion Brand Sale (in store only): if you spend $49 on select Champion apparel (designated with an orange sticker), you get a free KU Champion t-shirt.
- Supplies: 15% off regular priced items.
- Headphones: 10% off all headphones.
- Reference Materials: 50% off select items.

KU Campus Store

Kyle Rex, KU Campus Store

Correction: Spring Break Hours: Student Recreation Center and Keystone Pool

The Student Recreation Center and Keystone Pool spring break hours and closures are as follows:
Student Recreation Center
- Closed: Saturday, March 15 to Sunday, March 16
- Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday, March 17 to Friday, March 21
- Closed: Saturday, March 22
- Resume regular hours: 1-11 p.m., Sunday, March 23
Keystone Hall Pool
- Open 8-9 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m., Friday, March 14
- Closed: Saturday, March 15 to Saturday, March 22
- Resume regular hours: 7-10 p.m., Sunday, March 23

Tracy Turner, Recreation Center

Faculty Director Sought for Frederick Douglass Institute

The Provost invites faculty to apply for the position of Faculty Director, Frederick Douglass Institute (FDI). The Faculty Director guides and directs the activities of the FDI. The position is for two years, which may be renewed for a third year, upon the mutual agreement of the director and the Provost. The position will begin in August 2025. The director reports to the associate provost for Student Success and Academic Excellence and, in collaboration with other offices and all university divisions, encourages equity, diversity and inclusion among faculty, staff and students through activities including facilitation of scholarship opportunities, research activities, topical forums and exhibits, conferences and visiting scholars. The Faculty Director will receive a two-course release each semester; this assignment should not result in the individual being in overload status. The successful candidate will not hold any other campus position that includes reassigned time. The successful candidate will have the following credentials:
- Tenured or tenure-track faculty member who holds a terminal degree and has a minimum of five years of experience teaching in higher education;
- A record of innovation in teaching about equality and diversity and effectiveness of instruction;
- A record of scholarship, including professional presentations and/or publications, related to social equality, cultural diversity and inclusion;
- Demonstrated ability to facilitate discussions about issues of equality, diversity and inclusion;
- Demonstrated commitment to and experience with quantitative and qualitative program assessment;
-Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills; and
-Ability to work effectively with university administration, faculty and system-level groups.

Interested Kutztown University faculty should send a letter of application that speaks to the position’s qualifications and a C.V. to Andrea Kirshman, associate provost for Student Success and Academic Excellence (kirshman@kutztown.edu) by noon Friday, March 28.

Andrea Kirshman, Student Success and Academic Excellence

Starfish Appointment Scheduling Help

As academic advisement approaches, we’re offering help to set up your consultation hours and availability in Starfish. To sign-up for one of the sessions, please register online. If you are unable to attend a session but would like us to verify that your availability is correctly set up, please email starfish@kutztown.edu. You may also refer to our quick 3-Step Process for Appointment Scheduling. Don’t forget to link your Outlook and Starfish calendars, activate your URL and add a location.

Nancy Brynildsen, Student Success and Academic Excellence