Suffolk Reporter

Stony Brook University has announced that Gordon T. Taylor, Katherine B. Aubrecht, and Michael A. Bender have been named 2024 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). This lifetime honor is given to individuals who are nominated by the Steering Committee of their respective sections, by three existing Fellows, or by the CEO of AAAS. The nominations are assessed by the AAAS Council, which then makes the final decision through a vote.

Sudip S. Parikh, AAAS CEO and executive publisher, commented on the significance of the recognition: "This year’s class of Fellows are the embodiment of scientific excellence and service to our communities. At a time when the future of the scientific enterprise in the U.S. and around the world is uncertain, their work demonstrates the value of sustained investment in science and engineering."

Carl W. Lejuez, Stony Brook University’s executive vice president and provost, extended his congratulations to the newly appointed Fellows. “I warmly congratulate our newest AAAS fellows for this well-deserved and impressive recognition of their work and its importance to society. We are proud that over the years about a dozen of our current faculty have been named AAAS fellows in a broad range of fields, including political science, psychology, creative writing and math and of course marine science and chemistry."

The recognized individuals will join a group of 471 scientists, engineers, and innovators acknowledged for their contributions to academia, research, and scientific communication. The new fellows will be honored at the Fellows Forum during the AAAS Annual Meeting on June 7, where they will receive a certificate and a blue and gold rosette.

Professor Gordon T. Taylor, recognized for his work in microbial mediation and marine biogeochemical processes, expressed his gratitude: “I am truly honored and humbled by this recognition. I am indebted to all my talented, hard-working students and colleagues who were so instrumental in the achievement of my scientific goals. My sincere gratitude to AAAS for this acknowledgement."

Katherine B. Aubrecht, honored for her efforts in advancing chemistry education through sustainable practices, remarked, “The American Association for the Advancement of Science works to advance science for the benefit of all by focusing on research, education, engagement with the public, and the use of science to inform policy."

Professor Michael A. Bender, noted for his work in the foundations of data structures, also expressed appreciation: “I am deeply honored to be recognized as an AAAS Fellow. I’m especially grateful for the collaborative efforts of many brilliant students, colleagues, and industry partners who have contributed to advancing our field.”

In addition to their academic roles, all three individuals hold significant positions within their respective departments and have been involved in various innovative projects and collaborations.

AAAS Fellows have historically included distinguished scientists such as Maria Mitchell, Steven Chu, Ellen Ochoa, and others, reinforcing the prestige of this recognition within the scientific community.