Board of Trustees

President
Vincent Amodeo is a science teacher having taught middle school and high school Biology, Chemistry, and Physics for 20 years. He is on the education committee and leads the Curriculum sub-committee. Vincent earned an AAS degree in Medical Technology from Hudson Valley Community College, a BA in Biology from The College of St. Rose; a MS degree in Secondary Science Education from the University at Albany, and is currently pursuing a PhD degree in Education from the University at Albany. In addition to his teaching credentials, Vincent is a New York State Licensed Medical Technologist, having worked in area hospitals, private laboratories, and for the New York State Health Department for more than 20 years.

Vice President
Francis P. Wilkin, Ph.D. began as an amateur astronomer and received his Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of California at Berkeley in 1997. His research has focused on the study of the formation of stars in our galaxy, and includes multiwavelength observations from X-rays through the radio, as well as theoretical modeling. At Union College since 2004, Dr. Wilkin manages the Union College Observatory’s 20-inch telescope and teaches courses in both Astronomy and Physics. Recent studies using the observatory have detected planets around other stars using transits, when a planet passes in front of its star as seen from the Earth, with a noticeable dimming.   

Secretary                    
Michael A. Kornstein joined Cooper, Erving & Savage in 1978 upon his admission to the bar and became a partner in 1983.  Michael represents several financial institutions and has actively participated in work outs, foreclosures and bankruptcies and has been involved in the foreclosure of numerous residential and commercial properties, including office buildings, apartment complexes, hotels and marinas.  Michael has extensive experience in representing financial institutions in transactional work as well, including residential and commercial real estate lending.  Michael also has represented these clients in bankruptcy courts throughout the state. Michael received his bachelor's degree with honors from Union College in 1973 and graduated from Albany Law School in 1977, where he was a member and associate editor of the Albany Law Review.  Michael has lectured at continuing legal education seminars sponsored by the New York State Bar Association in the area of mortgage foreclosures.

Executive Director
Janie Schwab has been the Executive Director of the Dudley Observatory since 2004.  She received a B.A. in astronomy and music from Wellesley College, and has published many articles in astronomy and atmospheric science journals. Her current interests include observational astronomy and science education, and her interest in history of astronomy has been fueled by the incredible collections of archives and historic astronomical instruments at the Dudley Observatory.  She has also worked at Rupprecht & Patashnick, the Harvard University Atmospheric Research Group, and the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, and has been an active volunteer in school and community groups.

Stephen C. Ainlay, Ph.D. became the 18th president of Union College on July 1, 2006 and was inaugurated on Sept. 16, 2006. He is a sociologist with a distinguished record as a teacher, scholar and administrator. Before joining Union, he was a professor at College of the Holy Cross since 1982, and a dean since 1996. His research projects, published articles and books, have focused on investigations of blindness, aging, spirituality and various aspects of Mennonite life, all aimed at better understanding the ways in which people find meaning in their lives. He is a frequent presenter at conferences of scholars and academic administrators. He has served as a board member and vice chair of the American Conference of Academic Deans. A native of Indiana, Ainlay earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Goshen College, and both his master’s and Ph.D. from Rutgers University. He is married to Judith Gardner Ainlay. They have two sons – Jesse, a 2005 graduate of Holy Cross; and Jonathan, a student at the University of Arizona.

Erin M. Breslin is a marketing professional with more than 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, public relations, and business development. She is the Director of Marketing for the Capital District YMCA. A member of the YMCA's senior management team, Breslin handles all aspects of marketing for the YMCA, and supervises all aspects of communication and social media for the YMCA. Breslin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a Concentration in Writing from Nazareth College of Rochester, and a Master of Arts degree in English from the University at Albany.

Alan French is serving on the Dudley Observatory Board of Trustees as Vice President and Chair of the Education Committee. Alan received his B.A. in Physics from Clark University and has done graduate work in Computer Science from Union College. His work experience at the Schenectady Museum and Planetarium permitted him to share his knowledge as a public lecturer; and at New York State Department of Family Assistance as a computer programmer and systems analyst; and as the supervisor of Medicaid Eligibility Systems. Alan is now retired. At the Albany Area Astronomers, Inc. Alan’s positions have included: President, Vice President, Public Observing Session Coordinator, Chair of the Northeast Region of the Astronomical League Convention Committee, newsletter editor, and is currently serving as President. Alan is active in amateur astronomy, observing, and is a telescope maker. He is a guest speaker at astronomy conventions and meetings; gives talks and observing sessions at local schools, organizations, and Albany Area Amateur Astronomers; along with giving constellation tours at Landis Arboretum. He is on the Town of Glenville's Park Planning Commission and on the Board of Directors of George Landis Arboretum.

Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D., is the 18th President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She has held senior leadership and advisory positions in government, industry, research, and academe. Her research and policy focus includes energy security and the national capacity for innovation, including addressing the “Quiet Crisis.” She is the former president and chairman of the Board of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS); a member of the National Academy of Engineering, The American Philosophical Society, the Council on Foreign Relations; and a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Physical Society, and the AAAS. She serves on the board of directors of NYSE Euronext and chairs the NYSE Regulation Board. She is a director of several major corporations. Dr. Jackson served as chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission from 1995 to 1998.  Describing her as “a national treasure,” the National Science Board selected Jackson as its 2007 recipient of the Vannevar Bush Award for “a lifetime of achievements in scientific research, education, and senior statesman-like contributions to public policy.”

J. Douglass Klein, Ph.D. is Professor of Economics, and Dean of Interdisciplinary Studies and Special Programs at Union College. Klein joined the Union faculty in 1979, after earning a BA in Mathematics at Grinnell College, and a PhD in Economics at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.  He has written on the economics of auctions, the measurement of economic efficiency, and the integration of engineering and liberal arts.  Klein was appointed Dean of Interdisciplinary Studies in September, 2006.  As Dean, Klein oversees some eighteen programs which draw faculty from across the campus.  A subset of those programs, called Converging Technologies, seek to integrate science, technology and the liberal arts and to promote innovation.  The Center for Converging Technologies also works closely with partners in and out of academia to provide outreach opportunities for students, research support, technology transfer, and to strengthen Union's connections to the wider world.

Mark Marchand is Director of News and Editorial Services at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, overseeing media relations and other communications efforts at one of the nation’s leading technology universities. Prior to joining Rensselaer in 2010, he served as director of communications for the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government in Albany. Mark worked in communications for Verizon and its predecessor companies for over 24 years, at locations in Boston, Albany, and Basking Ridge, New Jersey. When he retired in 2007, he was a senior manager at Verizon, directing media relations efforts for network and technology issues. Before that he worked in public relations for Boston University and as a reporter at The Springfield, Mass., Daily News. Mark often lectures at communications classes in colleges and high schools. He teaches part-time in the Journalism Department at the University at Albany. He is a member of the Supervisory Committee at Capital Communications Federal Credit Union in Albany, and serves as an associate director at Parsons Child and Family Center in Albany. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He is also an instrument-rated private pilot.

Heidi Jo Newberg, Ph.D. serves on the Dudley Observatory Board of Trustees and is an Associate Professor of Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She received her BS in Physics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and her Ph.D. in Physics at UC Berkeley. Newberg has worked in many areas of astronomy over the course of her career. She did her Ph.D. with the Berkeley Automated Supernova Search and the Supernova Cosmology Project (SCP). On September 7th Heidi will be sharing the Gruber Prize as a member of the SCP for the discovery of dark energy, which forces the Universe to expand every more quickly.  Only two teams will share in this prestigious event at the University of Cambridge.  For the past 15 years she has worked on the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, an international collaboration that has surveyed a quarter of the sky.  She is best known for her pioneering work in understanding the structure of the outer parts of the Milky Way, which appear to be assembled by the cannibalization of smaller galaxies. Newberg joined the board with interest in promoting astronomy in the capital district, and hopes the connections and resources she brings to the Dudley Observatory will create synergy.

Kerry Orlyk has been the Executive Director of the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium since December of 2006. Prior to her appointment as the Museum’s Executive Director, she served as the Acting Executive Director and the Director of Finance. In addition to supervising all departments within the Museum, Orlyk works diligently outside the Museum, regularly meeting with legislators, business people and other key individuals within the region, fostering support and forging collaborations. She is currently spearheading the Museum’s initiative to become the science center of tech valley.

Peter D. Persans, Ph.Dserves as Ex-Officio, representing the President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.  He received his BS in Physics from Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn  and his PhD in Physics from University of Chicago.  He currently serves as Professor of Physics and Associate Head of the Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy Department at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.  His research over thirty years has ranged from fundamental optoelectronic properties of disordered, quantum dot, and crystalline semiconductors to characterization of x-ray optical systems.  Current projects include novel optical detectors, optical properties of compounds likely to be found on the surface of Titan, and introduction of new technologies in introductory undergraduate Physics education.  Professor Persans has served as the President of Rensselaer's Faculty Senate.  He won the Rensselaer Board of Trustees' "Outstanding Teacher of the Year" award in 2009.

George M. Philip is the 18th president of the University at Albany-SUNY. He was appointed to this position by the State University of New York (SUNY) Board of Trustees on June 16, 2009 after serving 18 months as the interim president. Prior to this appointment, Philip served as executive director of the New York State Teachers' Retirement System (NYSTRS) since 1995 and as chief investment officer for the system since 1992. Philip is a member of numerous professional organizations and governing bodies involved in financial, educational and community activities. In addition to his UAlbany degrees, he earned a J.D. degree from the Western New England College School of Law in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Cherrice Traver, Ph.D. received her BS in Physics at the State University of New York at Albany and her Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. She has been a faculty member at Union College in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department since 1986, and is currently the Dean of Engineering and David Falk and Elynor Rudnick-Falk Professor of Computer Engineering. She teaches courses in the Computer Engineering area including Digital Design, Embedded Systems, and VLSI. She has co-taught international project courses in Turkey and in Spain. Her research has been focused on timing issues in digital systems.  She has directed local and national outreach programs, including Robot Camp and the P. O. Pistilli Scholarship. She joined the Dudley Observatory Board of Trustees representing President Ainlay.

Robert B. Ward is the deputy director of the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government, the public-policy research arm of the State University of New York, and heads the Institute's State and Local Government Finance research. He has studied and written about New York State government for more than 20 years as a newspaper reporter and editor, as assistant to the chairman of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, and as director of research for The Public Policy Institute, the research affiliate of The Business Council of New York State. His work on state finances nationally includes leading the Institute's recent research into gambling revenues for states across the country, and a study of long-term changes in the property tax in New York State. He is author of "New York State Government," published by the Institute in 2002 and revised in 2006. He serves on Governor Paterson's Council of Economic Advisers and as secretary of the Bethlehem Industrial Development Agency. He is a graduate of Syracuse University.

 Joan Wagner  has taught Middle level and HS science for 34 years and today provides professional development for teachers in addition to writing. She is the past-president of the Science Teachers Association of New York State (STANYS), now organizing its state speakers and grant chairperson. She has been a consultant for the NY State Education Department in several capacities, including the Intermediate Science Core and State assessments. She has numerous publications in professional journals and is the author of the Big 8 Science Review Book for N&N Publishing and the Learn Science activity book series for DK Publishing. She received her BA in biology from Syracuse University and her master’s in science education from Teachers College, Columbia University and holds a School District Certificate (SDA) from NYS. Joan is the recipient of a number of teaching and service awards in science education. She enjoys skiing and tennis.

Daniel L. Wulff, Ph.D. serves as Ex-Officio, representing the President of the University at Albany. He received his Ph.D. from California Institute of Technology and is now currently a Professor of Biological Sciences, at the College of Arts and Sciences University at Albany. He also works with high schools throughout New York State in the teaching of Science Research courses.  Dudley Observatory is especially interesting to Wulff because of its concern with education.

Trustee Emeritus

Ralph A. Alpher, Ph.D.   Tribute and obituary
Roy E. Anderson, PhD
P. Thomas Carroll, PhD
James B. Comly, PhD
Lucy Comly, PhD
Thomas D’Andrea, PhD
Ellen Fladger
Susan C. French
Robert L. Fleischer, PhD
Keith F. Ratcliff, PhD
Samuel C. Wait, Jr., Ph.D
Stephen Wiberley, PhD   Tribute and obituary

 Advisory Council

P. Thomas Carroll, PhD
Trudy E. Bell
 

Senior Research Associate

George Wise, PhD

Some former Board Members