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

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BYU Physics and Astronomy student Benjamin Proudfoot recently published research in the prestigious journal Nature Communications that solves the mystery of the icy dwarf planet Haumea's formation.
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