Type Of Business:
1) Nonprofit organization 2) University
Marketing Area:
1) National 2) National
Expertise:
Physics and astronomy; Astrophysics and general relativity; Development and instruction of a sequence of introductory self-paced, mastery-based astronomy courses with an enrollment of 600-800 students per semester
Major Product/SVS:
1) Promotion of scientific and science education goals of member academies; Communications development services and a meeting venue for high school students selected by the member academies; Student presentations and attendance at the annual symposium of the American Association for the Advancement of Science; Opportunities for students to become life members in the American Junior Academy of Science; Partnering and working with the state and regional academies of science 2) Higher education; Research
Hobbies/Sports:
Gardening; Reading
Education Degrees:
Ph.D. in Physics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1965); Bachelor of Science in Physics, Case Institute of Technology (Now Case University) (1960)
Affiliations Awards:
Treasurer, Greater Piedmont Explorers Club; Former Treasurer, Former Chief Information Officer, Former Chief Operating Officer, South Carolina Academy of Science; Southeastern Section, American Physical Society; American Association for the Advancement of Science; American Association of Physics Teachers; American Astronomical Society; International Astronomical Union; Chapter, Explorers Club
Industry:
Higher Education
Date of Distinction:
9/1/2011
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The most gratifying aspect of his career was teaching self-paced astronomy courses at University of South Carolina that continue to exist to this day and teaching nonscience majors about the structure of the universe.
Charity:
Harvest Hope; RSPB; American Cancer Society; Explorers Club
Number Of Years In Profession:
41
Number Of Years In Current Position:
6
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
He attributes his success to his drive to complete a project, ability to go the extra mile, and a love of learning how things work.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
He became involved in his profession after rising through the ranks as a member of his organizations. His position with the National Association of Academies of Science includes both academic and treasury work.
Extended Bio Profile:
Prof. Safko is the author of a variety of books as well as the co-author of graduate textbooks in physics. Before retiring from the faculty of the University of South Carolina with the rank of distinguished professor, he developed and managed an astronomy course for nonmajors. In addition, Prof. Safko produced doctoral and master's students in theoretical physics and observational astronomy. His service to the university included four terms as secretary to the faculty. Prof. Safko has long been a proponent of engaging students in scientific research and recognizing their contributions to the field. Prior to becoming the treasurer of the National Association of Academies of Science, Prof. Safko was treasurer of the South Carolina Academy of Science for more than 30 years. He also served for 35 years as the chief financial officer and chief operations officer of the South Carolina Academy of Science.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Sending and receiving funds for hotels and reservations; Tracking expenses and serving as chief financial officer
Awards/Honors:
Elected Fellow, Explorers Club; Elected Fellow, American Physical Society; Elected Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science; Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of South Carolina, Columbia; Sigma Xi; Treasurer, Greater Piedmont Explorers Club; Southeastern Section, American Physical Society; American Association for the Advancement of Science; American Association of Physics Teachers; American Astronomical Society; International Astronomical Union; Chapter, Explorers Club; Former Treasurer, Former Chief Information Officer, Former Chief Operating Officer, South Carolina Academy of Science
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Professor Safko intends to continue interacting with students and motivating them toward success.