Notables

Martha P. Haynes, professor of astronomy, has been named the interim president of Associated Universities Inc. (AUI). AUI is an independent, non-profit organization founded by nine northeastern universities. The group operates the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. Haynes, an AUI trustee for the past four years, will head the organization while it seeks a successor to Lyle H. Schwartz, whose resignation became effective in mid-April. Paul Martin, chair of AUI and a professor and dean at Harvard University, thanked Haynes for accepting the interim appointment. "We thank the stars that Dr. Haynes can step in," he said. "With her experience as a researcher at many major optical and radio astronomy observing facilities worldwide; her long association with NRAO, including service as director of the NRAO facility in Green Bank, W.Va.; and her thorough understanding of the strengths of AUI management as an active member of the AUI executive committee, she is the ideal person to take the reins as we search for a permanent new president, restructure and forge closer ties with universities and the astronomical community."

Stephen T. Emlen, the Jacob Gould Schurman Professor of Behavioral Ecology, has been elected president of the International Society of Behavioral Ecology. Previously a member of the association's executive committee, Emlen will serve a two-year term. He will be responsible for directing the society's seventh biannual meeting in August in Asilomar, Calif.

Pamela L. Stepp, assistant professor of communication, has been awarded the 1998 Don Brownlee Most Outstanding Director of Debate Award, given in March by the Cross Examination Debate Association. The association is the largest such association in the country, and the annual award is given to the person who excels at coaching, instruction, service and leadership. In the nomination for the award, Carrie Crenshaw, president of the Cross Examination Debate Association, said, "The expressions of ... high regard for Dr. Stepp were remarkably impressive. To be held in such high esteem by one's colleagues and students is truly an honor of the highest magnitude."