Scott Sommerfeldt, ASA Vice President

Scott Sommerfeldt’s exceptional career as a research scientist and professor has been complemented by his outstanding service to both Brigham Young University (BYU) and his professional societies.

From 2003-2007, Scott served as chair of the BYU Physics and Astronomy Department and as Dean of the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences from 2007-2017.  His leadership as Dean allowed for significant advances in mentored student research funded by generous donations to the College.

Concurrent with this University service, Scott has contributed significantly to professional societies.  He served twice on the board of directors of the Institute of Noise Control Engineering of the United States of America from 2002-2005 and then from 2009-2012.  As Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America (ASA), he was a member of the ASA Technical Council from 2000-03 (for Structural Acoustics) and 2012-2015 (representing the area of Noise) and on the ASA Executive Council 2009-2012.  

Scott was elected Vice President of the ASA in 2017. He served one year as the Vice President Elect (2017-2018), one year as the Vice President (2018-2019), and is just finishing his year as Past Vice President (2019-2020).  Each of these titles is associated with different responsibilities that ensure continuity for the volunteer-led ASA.  

Scott’s clear thinking, steady approach, and diplomatic leadership has significantly benefited both BYU and the societies that form his professional home.

News and Events

Image for Acoustics group studies the roar of SpaceX's Starship
Acoustics group studies the roar of SpaceX's Starship
Acoustics faculty and students measure the thunderous noise of the world’s most powerful rocket, exploring its impact on communities and the environment.
Image for Gus Hart Receives the Karl G. Maeser Research and Creative Arts Award
Gus Hart Receives the Karl G. Maeser Research and Creative Arts Award
Dr. Gus Hart received the 2024 Karl G. Maeser Research and Creative Arts Award for his work in computational material science and his continued innovation in computational methods.
Image for Astronomers Discover New Course
Astronomers Discover New Course
This winter, ten students in BYU’s new “Advanced Planetary Astrophysics” taught by Darin Ragozzine course gained hands-on experience in planetary science research, mastering interdisciplinary skills to prepare for future careers in astronomy.
Image for New Applied Physics Major with an Emphasis in Data Science
New Applied Physics Major with an Emphasis in Data Science
Starting Fall 2025, BYU will offer a new Applied Physics: Data Science major that combines rigorous physics training with data science skills to prepare students for the growing demand in data-driven careers.
Image for The Physics of Life
The Physics of Life
BYU's new Biological Physics course introduces students to the physics behind biological processes, fostering interdisciplinary skills to tackle complex biological questions.
Image for Dr. Kent Gee Receives Top faculty Award
Dr. Kent Gee Receives Top faculty Award
Dr. Kent Gee has been named the recipient of the Karl G. Maeser Distinguished Faculty Lecturer Award
Image for New Acoustics Major
New Acoustics Major
The BYU Physics & Astronomy department recently introduced the Applied Physics: Acoustics degree.
Image for Chris Verhaaren Creates Particle Physics Class
Chris Verhaaren Creates Particle Physics Class
After 3 years of being offered as 513R, elementary particle physics is finally an official course and accepted for credit in the physics major!
Image for Drs. Davis and Vanfleet Receive Technology Transfer Award
Drs. Davis and Vanfleet Receive Technology Transfer Award
BYU Physics and Astronomy Professors Dr. Davis and Dr. Vanfleet recently received the 2024 award for outstanding achievement in technology transfer from the BYU Technology Transfer Office.
Image for A Practical Scientist’s Field Guide to Dealing with Science and Religion.
A Practical Scientist’s Field Guide to Dealing with Science and Religion.
Dr. Michael Ware hopes to help students develop the skills to navigate discussion of science and religion
Image for Kent Gee Forum: Lessons from Noise, Crackle to Calm
Kent Gee Forum: Lessons from Noise, Crackle to Calm
This year’s Karl G. Maeser Distinguished Faculty Lecturer, Kent Gee, delivered his forum address on the science of sound and how he and BYU students have contributed to significant research in the acoustics industry.
Image for Campbell and Stokes Receive Crystallographic Association Award
Campbell and Stokes Receive Crystallographic Association Award
In July 2025, Drs. Branton Campbell and Harold Stokes (BYU Emeritus Professor) will receive the Kenneth N. Trueblood Award from the American Crystallographic Association for exceptional achievement in computational crystallography.
Image for New ESC Weather Station
New ESC Weather Station
A group of undergraduate students braved the heat and heights of the ESC roof to install a new weather station. The station is up and running, and will hopefully record data for years to come.
Image for Study analyzes distant Kuiper Belt object with NASA's Hubble data
Study analyzes distant Kuiper Belt object with NASA's Hubble data
Using data from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, a new study suggests that an object previously thought to be a binary system may be a rare triple system of orbiting bodies.
Image for BYU’s Rising Astronomers Take Center Stage at the Winter AAS Conference
BYU’s Rising Astronomers Take Center Stage at the Winter AAS Conference
In early January 2025, a group of 16 students from Brigham Young University’s Physics & Astronomy Department showcased their research at the prestigious American Astronomical Society (AAS) in National Harbor, Maryland.