7 USC professors join prestigious ranks of AAAS fellows

For scientists, few distinctions rank higher than being elected a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science — an honor on par with winning an Oscar, minus the red carpet and awkward speeches. Election as an AAAS fellow reflects the high regard in which a scientist is held by their peers.

This year, seven USC professors have earned this prestigious recognition: Richard Brutchey, Steven Finkel, Emily Liman and Oleg Prezhdo of the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences; Yali Dou of the Keck School of Medicine of USC; and Satyandra K. Gupta and Costas Synolakis of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Their election — among 471 announced Thursday morning — honors research that expands human knowledge, holds the potential to change lives and stands as testament to USC’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation.

Richard Brutchey

Richard Brutchey, USC Dornsife professor of chemistry, has been honored for his pioneering work in advancing the science of colloidal nanocrystal chemistry. His research group focuses on developing new methods for creating nanomaterials, which have potential applications in catalysis, energy storage and sustainability.

Brutchey says his passion for mentoring students and helping them grow into independent scientists is integral to his innovative approach. “Seeing them take their knowledge and make an impact beyond our lab is far more rewarding than any individual discovery,” he said.

His election to AAAS highlights the impact of his work in driving innovation in materials science. His contributions to nanotechnology have the potential to revolutionize energy and environmental solutions, demonstrating how scientific innovation can lead to real-world applications.

Read USC Dornsife’s story about the college’s new AAAS fellows.

Yali Dou

Molecular biologist Yali Dou is the holder of the Marion and Harry Keiper Chair in Cancer Research, a professor of medicine and cancer biology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and the associate director for basic research at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dou is a recognized leader in the study of epigenetics, the mechanisms that enable the singular instructions in DNA to be expressed as myriad cell and tissue types.

Looking at the accomplishments of other new AAAS fellows, she notes that she is in good company.

“A lot of great scientists are being recognized this way,” said Dou, who is also co-director of the PhD program in molecular medicine at the Keck School of Medicine. “It’s an honor to be part of the prestigious group. Now more than ever, it is important to recognize the contributions of science and scientists to our society.”

She is quick to share the credit for the advances that have grown out of her investigations.

“I want to acknowledge all of the people in my lab who have contributed so much to my career,” Dou said. “They’re actually the ones that carry out the work, so I share this honor with them.”

Read the Keck School of Medicine’s full story about Dou’s election as an AAAS fellow.

Steven Finkel

Steven Finkel, USC Dornsife professor of biological sciences, has been recognized for his innovative contributions to microbial physiology and molecular biology. His research explores the fundamental processes of microbial life, which has far-reaching implications for both basic biological concepts and practical applications in natural environments.

Finkel says his work is driven by the excitement of exploring unanswered questions in his field, which he describes as “a great combination to keep you motivated as a scientist.” This motivation fuels his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and training the next generation of scholars.

Finkel’s election underscores the significance of his research in driving innovation in microbial sciences, expanding understanding of microbial biology and driving new approaches to addressing environmental and health challenges. 

Read USC Dornsife’s story about the college’s new AAAS fellows.

Satyandra K. Gupta

Satyandra K. Gupta is the founding director of the USC Center for Advanced Manufacturing, in addition to holding the Smith International Professorship in Mechanical Engineering and serving as a USC Viterbi professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering and computer science. At the Center for Advanced Manufacturing, he leads researchers and students in the development of the latest smart manufacturing and human-centered automation technologies.

Holding 24 patents and having authored more than 500 articles in journals, conference proceedings and book chapters, Gupta is a leading example of USC faculty who are equally involved in academic research and transitioning technology to industry. He is a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and the Solid Modeling Association.

“It is a privilege to join the company of the past AAAS fellows who have dedicated their lives to improving the human condition through scientific exploration,” Gupta said. “This recognition celebrates our innovations in the human-centered automation area for reducing health risks for workers, improving sustainability, enhancing product quality and strengthening the U.S. manufacturing ecosystem.”

Emily Liman

Emily Liman, USC Dornsife professor of biological sciences and holder of the Harold Dornsife Chair in Neurosciences, has been honored for her innovative work on ion channels, particularly those involved in sensory perception. Her research led to the identification of a new class of ion channels, including one that serves as a sour receptor. This achievement, she said, reflects the ingenuity and perseverance of her lab members and collaborators.

Liman points to the thrill of discovery as a driving factor for scientists like her: “We do it for the pure joy of discovery — of seeing or learning something new, that’s never been seen or known before.”

Liman’s election to AAAS highlights the impact of her discovery of OTOP proton channels in transforming our understanding of sensory biology, revealing new mechanisms of proton conduction across cell membranes and opening avenues for research into taste perception and cellular signaling.

Read USC Dornsife’s story about the college’s new AAAS fellows.

Oleg Prezhdo

Oleg Prezhdo, USC Dornsife associate professor of chemistry and physics and astronomy, has been recognized for his innovative contributions to quantum chemistry and nanoscale systems, those typically between one and 100 nanometers. His research uses advanced computer models to study how tiny particles behave in materials and very small structures, helping to explain and predict the behavior of materials at the smallest scales.

Prezhdo’s work has significant implications for solar energy and electronics that interact with light, demonstrating how fundamental studies can lead to technological advances that improve human conditions.

Inspired by the potential of scientific research to drive technological progress and enhance lives, Prezhdo said, “Seeing how fundamental studies lead to technologies adopted across the world and change people’s lives provides a strong long-term motivation.”

Prezhdo’s election as an AAAS fellow underscores the global impact of his research in driving innovation in quantum chemistry. His work fosters collaboration across disciplinary boundaries, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary innovation in advancing scientific knowledge.

Read USC Dornsife’s story about the college’s new AAAS fellows.

Costas Synolakis

Costas Synolakis’ research into tsunamis and extreme flooding events has influenced policy decisions and disaster recovery programs worldwide. At USC Viterbi, he serves as Gordon S. Marshall Professor of Engineering Technology and professor of civil and environmental engineering, and his work focuses on understanding unusual tsunami amplification phenomena and the impact of a changing climate upon extreme weather events.

In 1996, Synolakis founded the USC Tsunami Research Center, which developed the operational code used in the United States and Australia for tsunami forecasts and was responsible for California’s official evacuation planning maps.

His early work concentrated on analytical solutions for the climb of solitary waves on plane beaches. He later developed the highly cited principle known as Synolakis’ law: the relationship between the height of the solitary wave, the beach slope and the offshore depth.

“I have been reading Science Journal (published by AAAS) and going to AAAS meetings since I was a graduate student,” Synolakis said. “AAAS helped me develop as a researcher, shaped my science conscience and prepared me for the national academies. Being a fellow is a great honor that I will treasure; I only hope to be able to give back to AAAS what I have so generously received.”

About AAAS and the fellowship

The nonprofit AAAS, founded in 1848, serves 10 million individuals through more than 250 affiliated societies and academies, aiming to “advance science and serve society” through initiatives in science policy, international programs, science education and public engagement.

AAAS fellows are recognized for their achievements in research, teaching, technology and administration as well as their excellence in communicating and interpreting science to the public.

This year’s newly elected scientists, engineers and innovators will be celebrated at a June 7 forum in Washington, D.C.

USC Dornsife news staff and USC’s Matilda Bathurst, Wayne Lewis and David Medzerian contributed to this report.