Professor Toomre is internationally recognized for his ground- breaking research and his exceptional teaching record since joining the faculty in 1970. His research has emphasized solar physics, astrophysical fluid dynamics, supercomputing simulations, and helioseismology, the use of sound waves produced by the sun to learn about its interior structure. Toomre’s research efforts have led to new perspectives in the theoretical work on fluid dynamics. He is an international leader in astrophysical fluid dynamics and an expert on the oscillations of the sun. Toomre has written seminal research papers and review articles, including cover articles for Science and Scientific American. Professor Toomre’s stature is reflected in leadership roles he plays in the field. He served as vice chair of the Solar Observatory Council of the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) with oversight for the National Solar Observatory. He has been a member and chair of the Space Telescope Institute Council overseeing the Hubble Space Telescope operations. Toomre chairs the Global Oscillation Network Group’s scientific advisory committee and serves on the central committee of Astro2010, the decadal survey of astronomy and astrophysics. His teaching awards include the title of Professor of Distinction, awarded by the CU-Boulder College of Arts and Sciences in 2009, and a Teaching Recognition Award sponsored by the Student Organization for Alumni Relations.
