Tulane Faculty Named 2024 AAAS Fellows
Two of Tulane School of Science and Engineering's esteemed researchers have been honored as AAAS Fellows. The American Association for the Advancement of Science announced their 2024 Fellows last week, recognizing 471 new additions and their remarkable achievements within the scientific community. These new Fellows will join the likes of scientific pioneers such as Thomas Edison, Ellen Ochoa, and W.E.B DuBois as they accept this lifetime honor.
"This year's class of Fellows are the embodiment of scientific excellence and service to our communities," said Sudip S. Parikh, Ph.D., AAAS chief executive officer and executive publisher of the Science family of journals. "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."
Cynthia J. Ebinger, Ph.D., a Jefferson Science Fellow, member of the Bureau of Oceans, International Environment, and Science, and the Marshall-Heape Chair in Geology was honored in the section of Geology and Geography.
Dr. Ebinger's research team uses applied physics to mitigate earthquake and volcanic hazards across the world and advise policy in these regards. As a Tulane Professor, she is committed to helping students understand the need to recognize and adapt to our dynamic planet, and as a national and international advisor, she advocates for continued government and industry investment in research for innovation that will help reduce the diminishing supply of natural resources.
"I can think of no greater honor than being recognized by my peers for the advancement of geoscience in service to society. Science in service to society is my mantra," stated Dr. Ebinger about her induction.
Michael Cunningham, Ph.D., a Suzanne and Stephen Weiss Presidential Fellow and the Associate Provost for the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies was honored in the section of Psychology.
Dr. Cunningham is being honored for his "distinguished contributions to the field of adolescent development and racial identity development, particularly contextual factors contributing to risk and resilience." A member of Tulane's Faculty since 1996, his research focuses on adolescent development specifically in New Orleans, while partnering with local schools to tell the story of adolescents from their perspective. His student research lab, "Lion's Lab," is named after an African proverb, "the lion's story will never be told as long as the hunter is the one who tells it," signifying his commitment to respect for all participants while still advancing scientific understanding.
"At Tulane, My research on adolescent development has focused on youth who live in New Orleans; so, I share the honor with families who allowed their teenagers to be in one of my studies."
Dr. Ebinger and Dr. Cunningham will be recognized at a forum held June 7th in Washington D.C., and featured in a March issue of Science.
