Rate My Professor Thomas Troland

Thomas Troland is Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Kentucky, where he conducts research in astronomy and astrophysics as a member of the Astronomy & Astrophysics Group. His work centers on measuring magnetic field strengths in the interstellar medium, particularly in regions of active star formation. Troland employs radio astronomy techniques, including the radio frequency Zeeman effect, to probe these fields. He has carried out observations using premier facilities such as the Very Large Array, the Arecibo Telescope, and the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope. Findings from his research demonstrate that interstellar magnetic fields possess strengths sufficient to exert significant influence on star formation processes, thereby supporting and refining associated theoretical models. Troland's contributions extend to graduate supervision, directing doctoral dissertations on magnetic fields and physical conditions in the interstellar medium, including those by F. Kiuchi (2010), M. Lykins (2010), E. A. Mayo (dissertation on magnetic fields in the galaxy), and A. Rane on physical conditions in the W22 star-forming region.

Over his long tenure at the University of Kentucky, Troland has been recognized as a pillar of the department, contributing to its research, teaching, and service missions until his retirement in 2025. He has secured National Science Foundation funding for key projects, such as Observations of Magnetic Fields in Molecular Clouds (AST-0908841) and Measurements of Magnetic Field Strengths in the Galaxy (2003). Notable publications include 'The Magnetic Field in the NGC 2024 Molecular Cloud' by R. M. Crutcher, D. A. Roberts, T. H. Troland, and W. M. Goss (ApJ, 515, 275, 1999); 'Detection of Magnetic Fields Toward M17 Through the HI Zeeman Effect' by C. L. Brogan, T. H. Troland, D. A. Roberts, and R. M. Crutcher (ApJ, 515, 304, 1999); 'Detection of CN Zeeman Effects in Molecular Clouds' by R. M. Crutcher, T. H. Troland, B. Lazareff, G. Paubert, and I. Kazes (ApJ, 514, 121, 1999); and 'The Magnetic Field in the Ophiuchus and Taurus Molecular Clouds' by T. H. Troland et al. (ApJ, 471, 302, 1996). Additionally, Troland has participated in public outreach, delivering SkyTalk lectures at the MacAdam Student Observatory, such as 'The sky at many wavelengths' in 2013, and providing commentary on astronomical phenomena including solar eclipses.