After 14 years of service, one of our Associate Editors, Stephen J. Smith, has decided to step down from his editorial duties. It is a pleasure to acknowledge the contributions that Steve has made over the years, both in the direct handling of manuscripts and in the formulation of editorial policies. Steve has personally handled over 5700 manuscripts dealing with the experimental aspects of atomic and molecular processes. During his tenure, he has witnessed the growth and development of these fields. His editorial judgment and guidance have played an important role in maintaining Physical Review A as the preeminent journal for research in these areas.
Steve has been an active member of the physics community, and the significance of his work has been recognized by numerous distinctions and awards. Just to mention a few of the highlights, he is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He was named a Humboldt Senior U.S. Scientist in 1978-79. In 1977, he was Chair of the APS Division of Electron and Atomic Physics, and served for many years as a member of the Organizing Committee for the International Conference on Atomic Physics. In 1979-81, he served as Co-Chair of the influential NAS-NRC Survey on Atomic and Molecular Science. His research at JILA and elsewhere has resulted in numerous research publications.
Physical Review A and the physics community of researchers worldwide are fortunate to have benefited from Steve's achievements. On behalf of the entire Editorial staff of Physical Review A, I would like to offer our thanks and best wishes as he steps down from his editorial duties.
Gordon W.F. Drake
Editor
Physical Review A