Dr. Becklin is the leader of all SOFIA science activities. He works to see that the observatory science goals are met and to ensure that the design, implementation, and operation of the observatory - including its telescope and instruments - will meet these goals. He closely reviews the expected performance for the 2.5 m telescope, and the ongoing development of the suite of Facility Instruments being readied for the astronomical community for for first-light science. Dr. Becklin's personal research interests include the investigation of the nature of young stellar objects, planetary systems, the Galactic Center and other galactic nuclei. In 2009, he was selected as a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.