Nobel Laureate Russell Hulse To Support Strategic Initiatives at UT Dallas

Nobel laureate and physics pioneer Dr. Russell A. Hulse, discoverer of the first binary pulsar, has been named Regental Professor and associate vice president for strategic initiatives at The University of Texas at Dallas.

Hulse began his affiliation with the University as visiting pofessor of physics and science and math education in January 2004. That appointment, which was concurrent with his position at Princeton University’s Plasma Physics Laboratory, concluded when he retired from Princeton in July.

In his new position, Hulse, who will report directly to UT Dallas President Dr. David E. Daniel, will continue to work on advancing science education, along with other programs designed to further UT Dallas’ position as an outstanding research university.

“I am delighted that Dr. Hulse has joined UT Dallas in this permanent position and that he will continue leading initiatives in science, engineering, and mathematics education,” Daniel said. “His knowledge, dedication and devotion to educating youngsters are contagious. He is wholeheartedly preparing our students for a lifetime of contribution and leadership.”

Hulse’s science education efforts include working with UT Dallas faculty on developing innovative new curricula, leading further development of collaborations between UT Dallas faculty and students with the Dallas Museum of Nature and Science, and working with K-12 schools.

“It has been a pleasure working with the UT Dallas community, and I look forward to exploring new frontiers in science, engineering and mathematics education,” Hulse said. “I am thrilled about the new opportunities associated with this position.”

In August, Hulse received $1 million from the University of Texas System Science and Technology Acquisition and Retention Program, known as STARs, to support his research initiatives. He will use those funds to create an innovative new science and engineering education center at UT Dallas. This center will support and extend his ongoing work with the museum, regional school districts and UT Dallas undergraduate students.

Hulse is co-recipient of the 1993 Nobel Prize in physics. His discovery of the first binary pulsar has been called one of the top findings of the 20th century for its impact on astrophysics and gravitational physics research. He shares the award with Dr. Joseph Taylor Jr., his thesis adviser.

Hulse earned a Ph.D. in physics in 1975 from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He received a bachelor’s degree in physics from the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in Manhattan in 1970.

The distinction of Regental Professor is an honor given by the University of Texas System, upon the recommendation of the president of the institution, the appropriate executive vice chancellor and the chancellor, to any faculty member who is awarded or in the past has been awarded the Nobel Prize. Because of the great prestige associated with the Nobel Prize, institutional tenure is awarded by virtue of the appointment.

About UT Dallas

The University of Texas at Dallas, located at the convergence of Richardson, Plano and Dallas in the heart of the complex of major multinational technology corporations known as the Telecom Corridor, enrolls more than 14,500 students. The school’s freshman class traditionally stands at the forefront of Texas state universities in terms of average SAT scores. The University offers a broad assortment of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs.For additional information about UT Dallas, please visit the University’s website at www.utdallas.edu.

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