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

FAYETTEVILLE — Peter Ungar has made history at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He’s the first faculty member to join the National Academy of Sciences, a major milestone in the world of science.

“I was shocked and humbled,” Ungar said about the news. Joining the Academy wasn’t something he expected. After receiving congratulatory messages from many, he realized how much this recognition means. The National Academy of Sciences, formed in the 1800s by President Abraham Lincoln, comprises about 3,100 members. Last year, Ungar was part of a class of 120 new inductees.

Ungar, who earned his Ph.D. in anthropological sciences from Stony Brook University, is already a member of other prestigious organizations, including the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. “This induction is the most prestigious in American science,” noted Margaret Sova McCabe, the university’s vice chancellor for research. “His research is crucial, especially as we address climate change.”

As a member, Ungar can submit articles to one of the top scientific journals and help shape policies that guide scientific advice to the government. “These are significant opportunities,” he said.

His impressive background includes over 230 scientific publications about ecology and evolution. He’s recognized worldwide for his innovative work in understanding diet and environment through fossil teeth analysis. Ungar has spent countless hours observing wild primates, and his findings have reshaped how researchers interpret animal diets.

For instance, during his time in the Sumatran rainforest, he noticed monkeys primarily eating leaves, despite their tooth structure suggesting they preferred fruit. “This led to a realization: the environment dictates what animals eat,” he explained. “Nature changes the buffet options, which in turn drives evolution.”

Ungar challenges traditional views that judge animals’ diets solely by tooth shape. Instead, he studies the wear and tear on teeth to understand an animal’s diet better. He believes teeth evolve to handle the most challenging foods an animal consumes. For example, if an animal primarily eats soft food but occasionally eats something tough, its teeth will adapt to handle that tough item.

His recent work focuses on using fossil teeth to explore the impacts of climate change on Arctic mammals. Ungar mentions, “We’re looking for real-world applications for our findings,” such as early detection of tooth erosion, which could lead to proactive rather than reactive dental care.

Each summer, he leads research trips to the Arctic with funding from the National Science Foundation. The goal is to study how climate change influences the diets of mammals like reindeer.

Ungar is dedicated to involving students in his research. For about 20 years, he has taken groups to Africa for immersive ecology and evolution studies, including trips to Jane Goodall’s camp and explorations of the Serengeti’s famous wildlife migration. “Learning in the field is an experience that textbooks cannot provide,” he shared.

On campus, his lab has grown significantly, reflecting the university’s commitment to high-level research. The University of Arkansas is classified as a “Research 1” institution, indicating a strong focus on doctoral research. Only about 4% of schools hold this distinction, emphasizing the value of the opportunities available here.

Ungar, a proud alumnus of the university, recommended it to his daughters, who have pursued successful academic careers. His eldest earned a Ph.D. at Stanford, while his younger daughter holds a master’s from Oxford and works for the U.N. Security Council. “The caliber of students here can compete anywhere,” he said.

In a world facing pressing challenges, Ungar’s insights not only advance our understanding of evolution but also offer new perspectives that can impact our future. His journey inspires students and researchers alike to explore the interconnectedness of nature and science.

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