Dr. Terry Oswalt, professor in the Department of Physical Sciences at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, has been elected to represent the United States in the International Astronomical Union (IAU), an organization often described as the “United Nations of Astronomy.”

Oswalt will serve a three-year term on the U.S. National Committee (USNC) for the IAU, the body responsible for coordinating U.S. participation in the international organization that helps shape collaboration among astronomers worldwide.

“Now more than ever, we are increasingly dependent upon international facilities, shared data infrastructure, education and outreach collaborations, and inclusive scientific communities that bridge national and disciplinary boundaries,” Oswalt said in his statement to become part of the U.S. committee.

Founded in 1919, the International Astronomical Union brings together professional astronomers from around the world to promote astronomical research, international cooperation and scientific standards. The organization is perhaps best known publicly for defining categories of celestial objects, including the controversial 2006 decision that reclassified Pluto as a dwarf planet.

Oswalt joined Embry-Riddle in 2013. Along with his teaching and administrative responsibilities, he conducts research on binary stars, stellar evolution, comets and minor planets. During his career, he has held numerous scientific leadership positions and served on major national and international committees.

He is a fellow of the American Astronomical Society, a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and is also affiliated with organizations, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Physical Society and the Council on Undergraduate Research.

Oswalt described the committee as “the primary way the U.S. connects to the international astronomical community.”

As part of the committee, he said he hopes to encourage interdisciplinary research collaborations and increase opportunities for early-career scientists to participate in international astronomy, particularly researchers working at smaller or geographically isolated institutions. Oswalt helped to develop the Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy consortium, which operates telescopes on three continents.

Oswalt, who previously served as chair of the Physics and Astronomy Division of the Council on Undergraduate Research, also plans to continue his long-standing commitment to mentoring undergraduate students, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.

“These two areas resonate strongly with my work,” he said.

Although astronomy captures the public imagination, Oswalt noted that the professional astronomy community is small, with only about 10,000 researchers worldwide. Organizations like the International Astronomical Union, he said, play an essential role in connecting scientists through international meetings, collaborations and specialized symposia.

The union also serves as the internationally recognized authority responsible for naming celestial objects and planetary surface features, including minor planets, stars, exoplanets and features on worlds throughout the solar system.

“Never pay a company to name a star for you,” Oswalt said. “The IAU does that for free.”