Bruno Basso, MSU Foundation Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science, W. K. Kellogg Biological Station and AgBioResearch
Basso was named a fellow in agriculture, food and renewable resources for distinguished contributions to the field of agronomy, with particular reference to quantitative modeling and the application of precision technologies in modern cropping systems.
“It is an incredible privilege to be recognized with this unexpected milestone,” Basso said. “Being an AAAS fellow for me means that I carry even more responsibilities to make our science impactful for healthy environments, healthy food and healthy people.”
Eunice F. Foster, professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences
Foster was named a fellow in agriculture, food and renewable resources for distinguished contributions to the field of agronomy, with particular reference to advancing diversity and educating the next generation of agricultural scientists and practitioners.
“It is an honor and a pleasure to be named an AAAS Fellow. Many colleagues, friends, former students and family have been integral to everything I have been able to accomplish. I thank each of them, AAAS and Dr. Phil Robertson for submitting the nomination,” Foster said. “There is so much still to be accomplished, especially in diversifying STEM disciplines, and I pray for and thank everyone involved in that effort.”
A. Daniel Jones, professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and AgBioResearch
Jones was named a fellow in biological sciences for distinguished contributions to the field of biological applications of analytical chemistry, particularly the use of mass spectrometry to study biochemistry, plant and microbial biology.
“To be selected as an AAAS Fellow reflects my many opportunities to work with creative and dedicated people who inspire and enable us to solve the grand challenges of our era,” said Jones, who is also director of MSU’s Mass Spectrometry and Metabolomics Core Facility. “I appreciate the outstanding support from MSU leadership that has fostered a unique and rewarding environment for learning and research. “
Leo Charles Kempel, professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Kempel was named a fellow in engineering for distinguished contributions to magneto-dielectric materials for radio frequency applications and inclusive excellence in leadership in engineering.
“I am deeply honored to be selected by my peers for this award,” said Kempel, who is also dean of the College of Engineering. “My hope is that all College of Engineering faculty pursue distinctions throughout their careers that demonstrate the excellence of our programs.”
Tapabrata “Taps” Maiti, MSU Foundation Professor in the Department of Statistics and Probability
Maiti was named a fellow in statistics for distinguished contributions to the fields of statistics and data science, particularly for contributions to data-driven discovery, and for outstanding teaching and training of the next generation of data scientists.
“Being an AAAS fellow is not a dream for me, it’s an inspiration to continuing to work for science and society,” Maiti said. “I would like to thank my colleagues, students, friends and family who made this recognition possible.”
Robert E. Maleczka, Jr., professor in the Department of Chemistry
Maleczka was named a fellow in chemistry for inclusive contributions to the field of synthetic chemistry with a focus on the development of green reactions and strategies involving organoboranes, organosilanes and organostannanes.
“Being named a AAAS Fellow is certainly an honor and one that is rightfully shared with my collaborators and students,” Maleczka said. “Even more broadly, this year’s inductees joining the university’s other AAAS Fellows serve as a reminder that science and scientists can thrive at MSU.”
Filomena Nunes, professor in the Department of Physics and FRIB, the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams
Nunes was named a fellow in physics for distinguished leadership, teaching, mentoring and community service within and beyond nuclear physics; a model-setting faculty member who sets a high bar of excellence for herself, her students, and colleagues.
“This year is the start of operations at FRIB, which is a huge source of excitement in itself. But, on top that, having been recognized by AAAS,” said Nunes, who is also managing director of the FRIB Theory Alliance, a coalition of scientists from across the country advancing nuclear science theory. “AAAS has been doing such important work for science as a whole, particularly during these trying times. Clearly, it’s an honor to be named a fellow.”
Charles Ofria, professor in Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Ofria was named a fellow in biological sciences for revolutionary work in understanding how evolution functions and the application of that knowledge to digital organisms and for leadership roles in the computational evolution community.
“I've always admired AAAS and everything that it does to promote science, science education and science policy,” said Ofria, adding he’s long been a reader of the organization’s publications, including its flagship journal and magazine, Science. “I learned a lot about how to do good science by reading the journal over the years and eventually publishing in it myself. AAAS has recognized so many amazing scientists as fellows over the years, and I am thrilled to join those ranks.”
Mark Urban-Lurain, associate professor emeritus at the CREATE for STEM Institute
Urban-Lurain was named a fellow in education for distinguished contributions to education, particularly for the application of technological approaches to meaningful educational assessment and for mentoring the next generation of researchers.
“With a 40% dropout rate in STEM, improving undergraduate STEM education is crucial to advancing science,” Urban-Lurain said. “I am honored that my commitment to improving undergraduate STEM education has been recognized by the AAAS Council.”
