Three professors from The University of Texas at Austin have received the honor of being elected to the 2024 class of Fellows by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). This recognition is awarded for their sustained achievements in scientific advancement or its application, being a notable lifetime distinction.
The honored faculty members include Ken Keiler from the molecular biosciences department, Chandra Muller from sociology, and Arlene Miller Rosen from anthropology. They are part of a cohort of 471 Fellows spanning 24 disciplinary sections within AAAS. Prominent individuals among the AAAS Fellows include Alondra Nelson, Mae Jemison, Steven Chu, and Vint Cerf.
David Vanden Bout, the interim provost, expressed pride in the contributions of these scholars: “These exceptional scholars are advancing the frontiers of science at UT Austin. Whether investigating molecular mechanisms, educational outcomes, or human-environmental relationships, each fellow demonstrates remarkable scholarly excellence and a commitment to addressing complex challenges facing society. Their work pushes boundaries while fostering trust in science throughout the communities they serve. I am proud to see them honored for their significant contributions to their fields and to the scientific community.”
Ken Keiler's research in molecular biosciences centers on protein quality control in organisms, whether in homeostasis or under stress. He applies this understanding toward developing antibiotics and basic research tools. Keiler, who completed his Ph.D. at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, joined UT Austin from a prior position at Penn State University.
Chandra Muller, a sociologist, investigates education's impact on population health, leading studies that track participants from high school into later life. Her work aims to inform strategies to enhance cognitive function and address dementia-related issues. Muller, a University of Chicago Ph.D. graduate, is associated with several educational and sociological research associations.
Arlene Miller Rosen focuses on human-environmental interactions in ancient societies, exploring responses to climate change. Her research uses methods like historical records, microbotanical analysis, and geomorphological studies to assess human adaptation strategies. Author of “Civilizing Climate,” she contributes to journals like The Holocene and others.
Reflecting on this year’s fellows, Sudip S. Parikh, Ph.D., AAAS chief executive officer, remarked: “This year’s class of fellows is the embodiment of scientific excellence and service to our communities," acknowledging the fellows’ work in light of global uncertainties, reinforcing the importance of supporting science and engineering.