A record year for Spartan scientists

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”