Elena Gallo, professor of astronomy, has been appointed the new director of the University of Michigan’s Women in Science and Engineering program, effective Sept. 15.
As faculty director, Gallo will focus on the connection between faculty initiatives and WISE, and identify ways to support and expand them. Within this scope she will serve as an ambassador among the faculty community to help foster connections, create supportive partnerships and expand outreach.
She also will partner closely with the managing director on initiatives and activities for student engagement and the unit as a whole.
WISE aims to increase the participation and success of women and gender minorities in academic programs and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“We are thrilled to welcome Professor Gallo as the faculty director of the U-M WISE program. She brings a breadth of experience within her field of study and serves as a strong advocate of the Women in Science and Engineering program’s mission and vision,” said Valeria Bertacco, vice provost for engaged learning.
Gallo has taught in the Department of Astronomy since 2010. She holds a Ph.D. in astronomy from the University of Amsterdam in The Netherlands, as well as a master’s degree in physics from the Universita degli Studi di Milan in Italy.
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Gallo has had several leadership positions at the university and within professional organizations, including chair of the Astronomy Graduate Program, and chair of NASA’s Chandra X-ray Telescope User Committee. She also was a member of the Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs.
Her doctoral research examined the impact of relativistic jets of matter and energy produced by galactic black holes the size of a star on their surroundings.
Her research interests include stellar mass black holes, supermassive black holes and exoplanets. She has been invited to talk at numerous domestic and international conferences as well as published in numerous journals and media outlets.
Since joining the university, Gallo has mentored graduate and postdoctoral students, served on several Ph.D. thesis committees and oversaw undergraduate trainees. She also is committed to U-M’s mission to foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive learning experience for all.
