Four faculty members at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, have been elected 2025 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, one of the most prestigious honors a scientist can receive. The honor recognizes efforts across disciplines—including research, teaching, and technology as well as leadership in academia and industry. In recognition of their extraordinary achievements, AAAS Fellows are elected to a lifetime appointment by their peers on the AAAS Council.
UT has shown sustained strength in AAAS Fellowship recognition, with multiple faculty members elected each year. The latest additions bring the university’s total number of AAAS Fellows to 103.
This year’s elected faculty are Brad Binder of the College of Arts and Science’s Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Molecular Biology, Jennifer DeBruyn and Jie Zhuang of the UT Institute of Agriculture’s Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, and Elisabeth Schussler of the College of Arts and Science’s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
“The election of these faculty members as AAAS Fellows reflects the strength and influence of UT’s research community,” said Deborah Crawford, vice chancellor for research, innovation and economic development. “Their bold and innovative work is expanding knowledge, confronting challenges across the globe and inspiring tomorrow’s scientific leaders.”