In memoriam: Professor Emeritus Stanley Dermott
The Department of Astronomy at the University of Florida mourns the passing of Professor Emeritus Stanley Dermott who passed away on May 20. A brilliant scientist and visionary leader, Dermott’s contributions to planetary science and to the life of the department have left a profound legacy.
“Stan was an integral part of our department for many years,” said Elizabeth Lada, professor and current chair of the Department of Astronomy. “His contributions to science, his leadership and his mentorship shaped the direction of our program and helped build the department we are so proud of today.”
Dermott joined UF in 1989 and served as chair of the department from 1993 to 2009. Under his leadership, the department significantly expanded its national and international presence. He was instrumental in UF’s involvement with the Gran Telescopio Canaris (GTC), the world’s largest optical and infrared telescope. The university’s partnership in the GTC project played a pivotal role in placing the UF astronomy program on the global stage.
“Stan had the vision to establish at UF a world-class program to develop astronomical instrumentation and then share with our students the thrill and adventure of deploying it to the world’s largest observatories,” said Charles Telesco, professor of astronomy and former department chair. “Stan promised us the moon and stars, and he delivered.”
“Under Stan’s leadership, UF established itself as a cutting-edge astronomy department with high visibility within the international scientific community,” Telesco said. “He took the department to new heights, and his support of research was incredible. He was famous for asking, ‘What can I do to help you succeed?’”
Dermott’s pioneering work in solar system dynamics led to the formation of what became known as Dermott’s Law. His research on the zodiacal dust cloud and the asteroid belt laid foundational insights into planet formation. In recognition of his scientific contributions, asteroid 3647 was named Dermott in his honor.
Dan Li, who received his Ph.D. at UF and is now a scientist with the NOIRLab in Tucson, Arizona, collaborated with Dermott for more than a decade, most recently on research into the formation and evolution of the asteroid belt and the emergence of near-Earth asteroids (NEAs).
“Stan had an incredible ability to ask the right questions,” said Li. “Our work together aimed to understand the dynamic pathways that create NEAs, and his insights were always at the heart of those discoveries.”
Li emphasized that Dermott’s influence extended well beyond his own research. As coauthor of the textbook “Solar System Dynamics,” Dermott helped establish what many consider the definitive foundation for scientists studying orbital mechanics and small-body dynamics.
Even in retirement, Dermott remained deeply connected to the department and its people. “I was fortunate to visit with Stan recently,” Lada said. “As always, he wanted to know everything about the department: how our students were doing, what research was underway and all about our new faculty. He remained deeply proud of who we are becoming and the direction we are headed.”
Beyond his academic accomplishments, Dermott was a generous mentor, gifted teacher and a true friend to the department. “He inspired students and colleagues alike,” Lada said. “Those of us who were lucky to know him benefited not only from his insight and encouragement, but from his deep optimism. We will miss him and his wry sense of humor, and the twinkle in his eye when he laughed.”
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences joins the Department of Astronomy in honoring the memory of Professor Stanley Dermott and celebrating a life dedicated to science, education and community.
