Four UW researchers named AAAS Fellows
Our take
The recent recognition of four University of Washington (UW) researchers as newly elected fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is a noteworthy achievement, reflecting not only individual excellence but also the strength of the scientific community within the university. These researchers join an elite group of 449 fellows from around the globe, honored for their “scientifically and socially distinguished achievements” in fields of science and engineering. This announcement is a testament to UW’s commitment to impactful research, paralleling other recent accolades such as the recognition of five UW scientists as Sloan Fellows, which highlights the university's dedication to fostering innovative minds Five UW scientists named Sloan Fellows.
The significance of this recognition extends beyond individual honors. It underscores the collaborative spirit that defines UW's research culture. The AAAS fellows represent various disciplines, showcasing the interdisciplinary approach that is increasingly vital in tackling complex global challenges. As a community of learners and creators, UW not only cultivates academic excellence but also emphasizes the importance of social responsibility within the scientific landscape. This dual focus on achievement and impact resonates deeply with the values we hold as Cougs—belonging, growth, and doing work that matters.
Moreover, this accolade provides a rich narrative for current students and aspiring researchers. It serves as a reminder that excellence in academia is achievable and that the contributions of individuals can lead to significant advancements in society. The stories of these fellows can inspire students to pursue their passions, engage in research, and participate in collaborative projects that extend their learning beyond the classroom. It’s a call to action for young Cougs to immerse themselves in the university’s vibrant community, where opportunities for growth and exploration abound. Whether through clubs, projects, or side gigs, the spirit of inquiry and innovation is alive and well at UW.
As we celebrate these achievements, it’s important to consider what this means for the future of research and education at UW. Will this recognition lead to increased funding opportunities, more collaborative projects, or even inspire the next generation of researchers to take on societal challenges? The answer lies in how the university and its community leverage these honors to foster an environment where curiosity thrives and innovation flourishes. Encouraging students to engage with these fellows and their work can create pathways for mentorship and collaboration, ultimately enriching the academic experience for everyone involved.
In a world that often feels divided, the achievements of these UW researchers remind us of the power of science to connect us and drive positive change. As we look ahead, let’s stay tuned to how these recognitions influence not just the university’s future, but also the broader landscape of scientific research and community engagement. What initiatives might emerge from this recognition, and how can we, as members of the WSU community, contribute to a culture of support and collaboration? The journey is just beginning, and it’s one worth watching closely.
Four University of Washington researchers have been named AAAS Fellows, according to an announcement by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. They are among 449 newly elected fellows from around the world, who are recognized for their “scientifically and socially distinguished achievements” in science and engineering. New Fellows will receive an official certificate and a gold and blue rosette pin — representing science and engineering, respectively — to commemorate their election.
A tradition dating back to 1874, election as an AAAS Fellow is a lifetime honor. AAAS Fellows play a crucial role in shaping public policy, advancing scientific research and influencing national and global perspectives on critical issues. Becoming a AAAS Fellow is among the most distinct honors within the scientific community, and those elevated to the rank have made distinguished efforts to advance science or its applications. All fellows are expected to meet the commonly held standards of professional ethics and scientific integrity.
This year’s UW AAAS fellows are:
David Baker, professor of biochemistry at the UW School of Medicine and the director of the UW Medicine Institute for Protein Design, was recognized for his groundbreaking work in computational protein design. Baker’s early work was in predicting how chains of chemicals fold into molecular structures that determine protein functions. He went on to design new proteins from scratch to carry out tasks in medicine, technology and sustainability. His team is developing vaccines, targeted drug delivery for cancer, enzymes to break down environmental pollutants and innovative biomaterials, among other endeavors. Baker received the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his scientific achievements to benefit humankind. He has also been awarded the Overton Prize in computational biology, Feynman Prize in Nanotechnology, Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences and Wiley Prize in Biomedical Sciences.
Elizabeth Buffalo, professor and chair of neurobiology and biophysics at the UW School of Medicine, was honored for her distinguished contributions to cognitive and systems neuroscience. Buffalo, who is the Wayne E. Crill Endowed Professor, is particularly noted for her pioneering research on the neural basis of remembering and learning, and for advancing translational research into broader insights on human brain function. She studies the relationship between eye movements and activity in the hippocampus and other nearby brain regions involved in forming memories, navigating and recalling the emotional context of past events. She is an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences, which presented her with the Troland Award for innovative, multidisciplinary studies. She also helps train postdoctoral scholars at the UW Medicine Institute for Translational Immunology.
Maitreya Dunham, professor and chair of genome sciences at the UW School of Medicine, was noted for her distinguished contributions to the fields of genetics and genomics. She is known for advancing knowledge of the mechanisms underlying molecular evolution and genetic variation in yeasts and in humans. Her lab develops new tools to study mutations and their consequences, genome structure, gene interactions, and the evolution of gene expression. She has a longstanding interest in how copy number variations — how many times a particular segment of DNA repeats — affect adaptation, and how these variations arise. Dunham applies her genomics methods to diverse topics, including the biology of aging and the emergence of multi-drug antibiotic resistance. Dunham is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University and was a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Faculty Scholar.
David J. Masiello, UW professor of chemistry, was honored for distinguished contributions to the theoretical understanding of nanoscale light-matter interactions, particularly for the design and interpretation of advanced spectroscopies that use electrons and light to probe material excitations. Masiello is an applied physicist whose research focuses on creating simple-yet-rich theoretical models that bring insight and understanding to observations spanning from quantum materials to nanophotonics. Masiello was hired as an assistant professor at the UW in 2010. He is a faculty member in both the Molecular & Engineering Sciences Institute and the Institute for Nano-Engineered Systems, and is also an adjunct professor of applied mathematics and of materials science and engineering. Masiello’s honors include receiving an NSF CAREER Award and a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, called PECASE, awarded by President Obama at the White House.
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