Celebrating Excellence: Two University of Nevada, Reno Professors Awarded Prestigious AAAS Fellowships

On March 27, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) honored two professors from the University of Nevada, Reno, Steve Vander Wall and Bob Ryan, by making them part of the 2024 class of AAAS Fellows. This is a significant achievement in the scientific community. With this recognition, they join 11 other esteemed faculty members from the University.

The AAAS Fellows program highlights scientists for their exceptional work in areas such as teaching, research, and public communication about science. According to Sudip S. Parikh, CEO of AAAS, this year’s fellows exemplify excellence and community service in science.

A ceremony will take place in June in Washington, D.C., where the new fellows will receive a special gold and blue rosette pin.

Bob Ryan, a biochemist, returned to the University in 2017, completing a career circle for himself as an alumnus. He focuses on lipids, the fats in our bodies. “Studying lipids has shown me how they can affect diseases,” he remarked. With insights from his past, Ryan identified how specific biomarkers relate to various lipid-related diseases. His work has paved the way for better diagnoses and treatment options.

Ryan treasures mentoring students and believes the training he received from his own mentors is invaluable. “Teaching my students about biochemistry helps them understand the human body better,” he said. His recognition by the AAAS is, in his words, validation for a lifetime of hard work in science.

Steve Vander Wall, an expert in ecology, has spent decades understanding how animals help with seed dispersal in forests. His research shows that rodents and birds play a vital role in spreading pine seeds, which can grow into trees when forgotten by the animals. “This mutualism benefits both the animals and plants,” Vander Wall explained. His innovative use of radioisotopes in tracking seeds has provided critical data for his studies and likely contributed to his AAAS fellowship.

Vander Wall’s research primarily occurs at the Whittell Forest & Wildlife Area, a 2,650-acre forested site managed by the University. “This forest has been essential for my research,” he shared. Working with graduate students has also enriched his experience, as he helps cultivate the next generation of ecologists.

Both professors display a clear passion for their fields, showcasing how dedicated work and mentorship can create lasting impacts in science and education. Their stories highlight the importance of research that not only contributes to academic knowledge but also supports the broader community.

As the AAAS continues to recognize outstanding contributions in science, the achievements of Vander Wall and Ryan stand as inspiring examples of how dedication can lead to innovative discoveries and educational advancements. As these professors continue their work, they remind us of the powerful role that scientific research plays in society.

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