Jeremiah Ostriker named White House Champion of Change

Jeremiah Ostriker

Jeremiah Ostriker (Photo by Denise Applewhite)

Jeremiah Ostriker, the Charles. A. Young Professor of Astronomy on the Class of 1897 Foundation, Emeritus, was recognized as one of 13 White House Champions of Change during a ceremony at the White House for his contributions to theoretical astronomy, which include the use of large-scale numerical calculations to study interstellar medium, galaxies, quasars and cosmology. The honor celebrates those who use or develop technologies and tools to enhance open government and accelerate social progress.

Ostriker, who currently works in cosmology, was among the first to find evidence for dark matter in the universe. He also examines galaxy formation, black hole growth and quasars. In 2000, Ostriker was selected as a winner of the National Medal of Science — the nation’s highest scientific honor — by former President Bill Clinton.