Mitchell Begelman
JILA Fellow and the Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences (APS) at the University of Colorado Boulder Distinguished Professor Mitch Begelman has been inducted as a 2025 American Astronomical Society (AAS) Fellow. Joining Professor Begelman in this recognition are APS Professors James Green and J. Michael Shull, now an Adjunct Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Together, their contributions underscore CU Boulder’s leadership in astrophysics and planetary sciences.
Professor Begelman was honored for his pioneering analytical and computational studies of high-energy astrophysical phenomena, including developing the “quasi-star theory” explaining the formation of supermassive black holes. His dedication to public engagement has further enriched the public’s understanding of black holes through two acclaimed books.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized by the AAS and to share this distinction with my esteemed colleagues,” said Begelman. “This recognition reflects the collaborative spirit of research at CU Boulder and JILA, where groundbreaking ideas flourish.”
Green was commended for his exceptional contributions to ultraviolet space astronomy and his role in advancing spectrograph designs that have enabled groundbreaking discoveries.
Meanwhile, Shull was recognized for his theoretical modeling and observational studies that have provided transformative insights into intergalactic and interstellar gas.
“It’s wonderful to see that CU Boulder’s APS department had three of the 24 AAS Fellows awarded this year,” Shull stated.
These accolades reflect the tireless dedication of all three researchers to advancing astrophysics and mentoring the next generation of scientists.
CU Boulder and JILA celebrate this recognition of Professors Begelman, Green, and Shull, whose achievements continue to inspire and elevate the global astronomy community.
Read the full AAS announcement here.
Written by Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, JILA Science Communicator
2025 AAS Fellows from CU Boulder: (L to R): JILA Fellow and Distinguished APS Professor Mitch Begelman, APS Professor James Green, and APS Professor J. Michael Shull, now at UNC Chapel Hill.
The Physics Frontiers Centers (PFC) program supports university-based centers and institutes where the collective efforts of a larger group of individuals can enable transformational advances in the most promising research areas. The program is designed to foster major breakthroughs at the intellectual frontiers of physics by providing needed resources such as combinations of talents, skills, disciplines, and/or specialized infrastructure, not usually available to individual investigators or small groups, in an environment in which the collective efforts of the larger group can be shown to be seminal to promoting significant progress in the science and the education of students. PFCs also include creative, substantive activities aimed at enhancing education, broadening participation of traditionally underrepresented groups, and outreach to the scientific community and general public.