Photo credit: news.mit.edu
MIT Affiliates and Alumni Recognized by AAAS as 2024 Fellows
In a significant recognition of excellence, six current members and 27 alumni from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have been elected as fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
The new class of AAAS Fellows for 2024 comprises 471 distinguished individuals across various scientific and engineering disciplines. These professionals are acknowledged for their remarkable contributions to both the scientific community and society at large.
Noubar Afeyan PhD ’87, a life member of the MIT Corporation, is honored as a fellow for his exceptional leadership in the biotechnology sector, especially regarding mRNA therapeutics, as well as his advocacy for the contributions of immigrants to economic and scientific advancements. Afeyan founded and leads Flagship Pioneering, a venture creation company responsible for over 100 science-driven startups aimed at improving human health and sustainability. He also co-founded Moderna, recognized with a 2024 National Medal of Technology and Innovation for its COVID-19 vaccine. Afeyan, who obtained his PhD in biochemical engineering from MIT in 1987, has also served as a senior lecturer at the MIT Sloan School of Management for 16 years and recently addressed the 2024 Commencement at the institute.
Cynthia Breazeal SM ’93, ScD ’00, renowned for her work in social robotics, is a professor at MIT where she established the Personal Robots group within the Media Lab. As the dean for digital learning at MIT Open Learning, she utilizes her expertise in digital technologies to advance educational initiatives. Breazeal is also a key figure in the MIT-wide Initiative on Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education. She co-founded Jibo, Inc., a social robotics firm, where she held the positions of chief scientist and chief experience officer, contributing significantly to AI education.
Alan Edelman PhD ’89, a professor in the Department of Mathematics, is recognized as a fellow for his significant advancements in high-performance computing and the development of the Julia programming language. He leads the Applied Computing Group at the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and has been elected a fellow of five prestigious societies, including the American Mathematical Society.
Robert B. Millard ’73, a life member and chairman emeritus of the MIT Corporation, has been honored for his dedicated service to education and scientific leadership at institutions such as MIT and AAAS. Millard’s tenure at the MIT Corporation saw him serve in various leadership roles, and he has received notable accolades, including the Bronze Beaver Award for distinguished service.
Jagadeesh S. Moodera, a senior research scientist in the Physics Department, is recognized for his pioneering work in experimental condensed matter physics. His research has significantly impacted the field of spintronics and the development of nonvolatile magnetic random access memory (MRAM). Moodera’s contributions have earned him several prestigious awards, including the Oliver Buckley Prize from the American Physical Society.
Noelle Eckley Selin, director of the MIT Center for Sustainability Science and Strategy, is acknowledged as a fellow for her influential work integrating atmospheric chemistry with policy decisions regarding air pollution and climate change. Her research focuses on developing strategies for assessing the prospective impacts of environmental regulations.
Additional alumni from MIT honored with AAAS Fellow status in 2024 include: Danah Boyd SM ’02 (Media Arts and Sciences); Michael S. Branicky ScD ’95 (EECS); Jane P. Chang SM ’95, PhD ’98 (Chemical Engineering); Yong Chen SM ’99 (Mathematics); and numerous others across various disciplines, highlighting MIT’s commitment to fostering talent and advancing knowledge worldwide.
Source
news.mit.edu