Frances Hellman takes the Helm as APS President

On January 1, Berkeley Physics Professor Frances Hellman begins a one-year term as President of the American Physical Society. In preparation for that role, she stepped down as Dean of the Division of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, a position she held for seven years. As Dean, Hellman contributed on many fronts. She conducted a deep analysis of differential outcomes among students from different backgrounds, addressed the role of mathematics skills in student achievement, and created a program that provides paths to success for underrepresented minorities, including women, gender minorities, and first-generation students, as well as community college transfers. Her efforts to recruit and retain the greatest faculty in the world ensure that Berkeley remains a global leader in basic scientific research.