David Silva, Ph.D.

Professor and Dean

Office: BSE 2.110D
Phone: (210) 458-4450
Email: DavidR.Silva@utsa.edu

Areas of Specialization

• Astronomical Data Services and Systems
• Extragalactic Stellar Populations
• Host Stars of Exoplanets
• International Observatory Development, Implementation, and Operation

Education

Ph.D. in Astronomy; University of Michigan
B.Sc. in Astronomy and Physics; University of Arizona

Research Interests

Dr. Silva's specific scientific research interests are in the general area of stars and stellar systems, especially as tracers for how galaxies formed and evolved over the last 13 billion years. His career has focused on the design, development, and operation of major publicly-funded, ground-based astronomical observatories for the research communities of Europe and the Americas.

Before joining UTSA, Dr. Silva was Director for 10 years of the National Science Foundation's National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO), the U.S. national observatory for night-time optical-infrared astronomy. Previously, he held positions with the Thirty Meter Telescope Project (Pasadena/CA), the European Southern Observatory (Garching bei München/Germany), and Kitt Peak National Observatory (Tucson/AZ). Dr. Silva has served on various international governance and review boards as well as held positions in the American Astronomical Society and the International Astronomical Union.