image: Three professors at the University of Missouri have been named 2021 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for their distinguished efforts in advancing various fields of science. view more
Credit: University of Missouri
Three professors at the University of Missouri have been named 2021 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for their distinguished efforts in advancing various fields of science.
The recipients are:
- Lee-Ann H. Allen, professor and chair of the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, and the George Trimble Endowed Chair for Excellence in Medicine in the MU School of Medicine
- Susan Renoe, associate vice chancellor for strategic initiatives in the Office of Research and Economic Development, assistant professor of strategic communication in the Missouri School of Journalism, and executive director of the Center for Advancing Research Impact in Society (ARIS), which is housed at MU
- Cheryl S. Rosenfeld, professor of biomedical sciences in the MU College of Veterinary Medicine
Lee-Ann H. Allen
Allen is being recognized for her “outstanding contributions to our understanding of innate immunity, focusing on neutrophils and macrophages and the ability of bacterial pathogens to manipulate the functions of these cells to cause disease.”
Allen’s laboratory studies cells of the immune system and how their function is altered by Helicobacter pylori, a type of bacteria that lives in the human stomach and is the primary cause of peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. She also studies Francisella tularensis, a bacterium that causes tularemia, a rare infectious disease that attacks the skin, eyes, lymph nodes and lungs.
“I’m honored the AAAS has selected me for this prestigious honor,” Allen said. “This recognition reflects the dedication of all the current and former members of my team over the past 25 years in our quest to better understand the fundamental processes related to the body’s innate ability to protect against infection.”
Susan Renoe
Renoe is being recognized for her “distinguished contributions and commitment to strengthening the societal impacts of science and engineering by building capacity, advancing scholarship, growing partnerships across multiple institutions, and promoting effective public engagement.”
In her role as an associate vice chancellor, Renoe works to strengthen the university’s impact on the state of Missouri by engaging people in all areas of scientific research. As a faculty member in the Missouri School of Journalism, she also leads the Research Identity Project, which seeks to recognize different social identities utilized by researchers.
“It is a great honor to be nominated by my peers to receive this honor from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, along with my distinguished colleagues at Mizzou and other accomplished scientists around the world,” Renoe said. “Being named a AAAS Fellow is a highlight in a career I love, helping scientists and researchers engage in activities that have meaningful, long-term impact in their communities and society. Together we can leverage knowledge to benefit society and make the world a better place.”
Cheryl S. Rosenfeld
Rosenfeld is being recognized for her “distinguished contributions to the fields of reproductive biology and endocrine disruption, and specifically for insights into the links between nutrition, placental pathologies and offspring phenotype, especially on brain development.”
Rosenfeld’s research seeks to understand the way developmental exposure to substances, such as medications or certain chemicals found in plastic consumer goods and the environment, affect humans and animals. Her research involves investigating the placenta, a temporary organ that helps in the exchange of nutrients, gasses, and waste product between a mother and her fetus.
Through her research, Rosenfeld is working to help improve health outcomes for people by providing a better understanding of the long term harm caused by exposure of the placenta and fetus to such substances through the mother, who may often unknowingly be exposed to such compounds.
“It is an honor to be recognized as a AAAS Fellow,” Rosenfeld said. “Reaching this milestone has entailed perseverance and the ability to overcome obstacles. But most of all, I’ve been guided by an unadulterated love and passion for science that might yield major breakthroughs in human and veterinary medicine.”
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is the world’s largest general scientific society and publisher of the journal Science. Founded in 1848, the nonprofit fulfills its mission to “advance science and service society” through initiatives in science policy, international programs, science education and public engagement.