Noted planetary astronomer Heidi B. Hammel, who is best known scientifically for her studies of Uranus and Neptune and by the general public for her lively descriptions of the impact of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 into Jupiter in 1994, has begun a new phase in her career.
Ever since I wrote 
Beyond Jupiter: The Story of Planetary Astronomer Heidi Hammel for the Joseph Henry Press’ “Women’s Adventures in Science” series, I have been updating Heidi’s career at my web site.
If you follow that link, you will be able to read not only about her interesting recent research but also about her appointment, effective January 1, 2011, as Executive Vice President of the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA).
Given Heidi’s history of recognizing and capitalizing on opportunities, I can only anticipate a bright future for astronomical research.
Congratulations, Heidi! I’m proud to know you!