Three University of Georgia faculty members have been named Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, according to a March 26 announcement. This recognition brings the total number of UGA-affiliated AAAS Fellows to 53.
The selection as an AAAS Fellow is considered one of the highest honors in science and engineering in the United States. The new Fellows from UGA are Gerald Hart, Karl Lechtreck, and Mark Tompkins.
Gerald Hart is affiliated with the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center and previously served in the Franklin College department of biochemistry and molecular biology before retiring last year. His research focuses on how complex sugar modifications regulate cellular function and disease, contributing to understanding conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. “AAAS is an outstanding organization that has supported research for many decades,” Hart said. “There has never been a more important time to support fundamental scientific research. We are on the precipice of great advances that will improve lives.”
Karl Lechtreck is a professor in the Franklin College department of cellular biology who studies cilia—microscopic organelles essential for cell movement and signaling—and their role in health conditions like infertility, kidney disease, and obesity. “I have had the privilege and pleasure to work with dedicated students and caring mentors,” Lechtreck said. “Their contribution and support are the basis for this recognition. Looking forward, our lab is enjoying exciting times as we are gaining ever better insights into how cells assemble cilia and control their length.”
Mark Tompkins serves as Distinguished Professor in Virology and Immunology at UGA’s College of Veterinary Medicine as well as director of its Center for Vaccines and Immunology. His work centers on influenza viruses, virus-host interactions, cross-species transmission, vaccines, antiviral therapies, public health threats to agriculture systems, among other topics related to infectious diseases globally. “I am thrilled and honored to be named an AAAS Fellow,” Tompkins said. “This recognition celebrates the outstanding dedication and talent of my students, trainees and collaborators. Our work on emerging and reemerging pathogens and the development of countermeasures has flourished through collaboration, supported by UGA’s strong commitment to multidisciplinary science.”
Chris King, interim vice president for research at UGA said: “We are so proud to add three more names to UGA’s collection of AAAS Fellows… Their scientific contributions speak volumes…and I congratulate each of them on this well-earned achievement.”
The incoming class includes nearly 500 scientists across 24 disciplines who will be recognized at a forum scheduled for May 29 in Washington D.C.
