“UA’s Ungar Makes History as First Professor Inducted into National Academy of Sciences” | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

FAYETTEVILLE — Peter Ungar has made history at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He is the first faculty member to be elected to the National Academy of Sciences, a prestigious honor that left him both surprised and humbled.

Joining the faculty in 1995, Ungar leads the graduate programs in environmental dynamics. When he found out about his election, he was flooded with messages of congratulations, unsure of how it had happened. “I had no idea why,” he said, emphasizing that being recognized by such a prominent academy was not on his radar.

The National Academy of Sciences, founded in the mid-1800s by President Abraham Lincoln and scientist Alexander Dallas Bache, includes approximately 3,100 members. Last year, 120 new members joined, with Ungar among them. His accolades also include memberships in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Johns Hopkins Society of Scholars.

“This is the highest honor in American science,” said Margaret Sova McCabe, the university’s vice chancellor for research and innovation. She praised Ungar for enhancing scientific understanding, especially during a time of climate crisis.

As a member, Ungar can contribute articles to the *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*, one of the leading scientific journals, and influence policy based on government requests. “These are significant opportunities,” he remarked.

Ungar is a prolific author, having penned 230 scientific works and edited several volumes on ecology and evolution. His research on fossil teeth has made him a respected figure globally. His studies of primates in their natural habitats have led him to groundbreaking insights about how species adapt to food availability.

During one of his observations in Sumatra, he noted how monkeys typically fed on leaves, despite their teeth suggesting they were fruit eaters. This led Ungar to realize that nature often changes food availability, forcing animals to adapt. “Nature keeps swapping items on and off the buffet table, which drives evolution,” he explained.

Traditionally, researchers looked at the shape of teeth to classify diets. Ungar, however, investigates the minute details on tooth surfaces, offering a new perspective on dietary habits. He illustrates this point by comparing diets to eating habits: “If you eat Jell-O most of the time but occasionally rocks, your teeth will evolve to handle those rocks.”

His latest focus includes the effects of climate change on Arctic mammals. With a National Science Foundation grant, he’s spent summers in the Arctic studying how climate shifts impact diets of creatures like reindeer. “We’re applying what we’ve learned to real-world questions,” he noted.

In addition to his research, Ungar values student involvement. For about 20 years, he has led groups of students to Africa to study ecology and evolution up close. Last summer, they explored Tanzania, studying chimpanzees and fossils, and engaging in coral reef ecology. “These experiences can’t be found in textbooks,” he emphasized with enthusiasm.

His commitment to teaching extends to students on campus. The growth of his lab means that students can engage in high-level research right at the university. The University of Arkansas holds a “Research 1” designation, confirming its notable impact in research across various fields. “There’s no substitute for that experience,” he said, underscoring his belief that local opportunities can be top-tier.

Ungar is proud of his family’s educational journey as well. His daughters have excelled, with one defending her Ph.D. at Stanford and the other earning a master’s from Oxford and working with the U.N. Security Council. “Students from UA-Fayetteville can stand toe-to-toe with anyone,” he asserted, showcasing the potential students have at the university.

As Ungar continues his groundbreaking work, both in research and education, his story illustrates the power of curiosity and dedication in science. His achievements are a reminder that influencing the future of science often begins with a single, thoughtful question.

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