Michigan State University researchers are making a difference in Michigan and around the globe — and they are being honored for their work.
Christina Chan and six other scientific experts at MSU have been named Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, or AAAS.
Founded in 1848, AAAS — which is pronounced “triple-A-S” — is the world’s largest general scientific society. In 1874, the society started recognizing distinguished individuals as fellows for their contributions to science and society.
The seven MSU fellows represent seven colleges and were honored for their distinguished contributions in agriculture, biological sciences, chemistry, education, engineering, history and philosophy of science and neuroscience. See MSU’s 2023 AAAS Fellows here.
“It is an honor to join AAAS in recognizing these seven MSU researchers,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz. “Congratulations to our new fellows for their distinguished work and contributions to science and society. Making an impact in the laboratory and the classroom, they are an embodiment of our institutional values as they prepare the next generation of leaders and innovators to address the grand challenges of our time.”
This year’s fellows, which include more than 500 scientists, engineers and innovators, are, according to the society, “at the forefront of discussions about emerging technologies, semiconductor production, environmental issues, science education, innovative therapies and more as the world grapples with societal concerns around these topics.”
“As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the AAAS Fellows Program, AAAS is proud to recognize the newly elected individuals. This year’s class embodies scientific excellence, fosters trust in science throughout the communities they serve and leads the next generation of scientists while advancing scientific achievements,” said Sudip Parikh, AAAS chief executive officer and executive publisher of the Science family of journals.
Former fellows include W.E.B. Du Bois, considered the founding father of American sociology; Ellen Ochoa, veteran astronaut and the Johnson Space Center’s first Hispanic and second female director in its history; and Grace Hopper, a pioneer in computer software development and programming language.
The MSU Fellows join the prestigious list of more than 180 current and past Spartans who have been selected as fellows.
Christina Chan
Chairperson and University Distinguished Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science in the College of Engineering
Chan, who investigates disease mechanisms, was selected as a fellow in engineering for elucidating the multifaceted mechanisms by which elevated levels of free fatty acids mediate abnormalities in cellular function through biophysical interactions, signaling and metabolism.
“It is a great honor to be elected a AAAS Fellow,” said Chan. “I am proud to be a member of AAAS, which is an important advocate for scientific research and works diligently to disseminate scientific results. I am thankful to my colleagues, mentors and family for their tireless support over the years. Most importantly, I am grateful to my students for their dedication and for being a source of inspiration.”
Story courtesy of MSUToday.