EAST LANSING, Mich. — Pamela Fraker, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology and of food science and human nutrition, has been elected to the prestigious National Academy of Sciences. Election to the academy is considered one of the highest honors that can be accorded a U.S. scientist or engineer.
Fraker is among 72 new members and 18 foreign associates from 12 countries who were elected to the academy of recognition for their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. Fraker is the first woman from the Michigan State University faculty to be named to the academy.
"It is gratifying, and well-deserved that Pamela Fraker with her stellar research is being recognized and honored,” said MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon. "Her pioneering work in nutritional immunology and the contributions she has made both to the science community, and for the good of mankind, are nothing short of inspiring. Dr. Fraker exemplifies Michigan State’s commitment to excellence both in science and application, and this honor is a much welcome distinction."
In her lab, Fraker studies the impact of zinc and other nutrients on immune defense systems. Zinc is involved in the activity of approximately 100 enzymes and many other cell functions being key to an optimally functioning immune system. Zinc deficiency accompanies many chronic diseases, including AIDS, Crohn’s disease, pancreatitis, renal disease and sickle cell anemia. In developing countries, illness and malnutrition can devastate the immune system. Fraker’s work is being used to help improve patient health and stabilize immune defense.
Her work has been supported by 30 years of National Institute of Health funding, most recently by a $1.7 million grant.
"Pam Fraker is one of the foremost nutritional immunology scientists in the world," said Ian Gray, vice president for research and graduate studies. "In addition to her research on zinc's effect on the immune system, she created a pioneering nutritional immunology program at MSU that involves scientists from several disciplines. She is very deserving of this elite recognition."
Fraker received her doctorate from the University of Illinois.
The election was held during the 144th annual meeting of the academy. Election to membership in the academy is considered one of the highest honors that can be accorded a U.S. scientist or engineer. Those elected bring the total number of active members to 2,025, and MSU’s academy membership to eight.
The other MSU faculty who are active members of the academy are:
- Martin Bukovac, University Distinguished Professor Emeritus of horticulture;
- James Dye, University Distinguished Professor Emeritus of chemistry;
- Richard Lenski, John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor of microbial ecology;
- Michael Thomashow, University Distinguished Professor of crop and soil sciences and of microbiology and molecular genetics;
- James Tiedje, University Distinguished Professor of crop and soil sciences and of microbiology and molecular genetics;
- Richard Witter, a retired veterinary medical officer with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service and adjunct professor emeritus of veterinary medicine; and
- Jan Zeevaart, University Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the MSU-Department of Energy Plant Research Laboratory.
The National Academy of Sciences is a private organization of scientists and engineers dedicated to the advancement of science and its use for the general welfare. It was established in 1863 by a congressional act of incorporation which provides that the academy acts as an official adviser to the federal government, upon request, in any matter of science or technology.
For more information about the National Academy of Sciences, see www.nasonline.org. To learn more about Fraker’s work, see www.bch.msu.edu/faculty/fraker/moreFrakerpubs.htm.
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