UC Berkeley recently announced that seven of its faculty members have been named as fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), a prestigious recognition for contributions to science and engineering. These faculty members are part of the 2024 class of AAAS fellows, a group of 471 scientists acknowledged for their roles in various fields including research, teaching, and science communication.

The new fellows from UC Berkeley include David Bilder, recognized for his significant work in genetics and development, particularly within the Drosophila Research community. Bilder's research using fruit flies focuses on how epithelial tissue organization prevents tumor formation.

Phillip Messersmith, chair of the Department of Bioengineering, is honored for his work on biological adhesion and the development of biologically inspired materials. Messersmith's research explores the properties of biological materials to design healthcare applications.

Diana Bautista, a professor with dual roles in molecular and cell biology as well as neuroscience, is recognized for her research into neuroimmune mechanisms related to chronic itch, leading to potential therapeutic targets. Her studies address mechanisms within skin and nervous system disorders.

Bernard Sadoulet, an emeritus professor of physics, is noted for his pioneering contributions to the detection of weakly interacting massive particles, which are candidates for dark matter particles.

Fei Xu, professor of psychology, is honored for her work in developmental psychology and cognitive science, focusing on infant learning and cognitive development. Her research sheds light on early developmental stages in humans.

Biostatistician Lexin Li from the School of Public Health is recognized for his contributions to statistical analysis in neuroimaging and computational biology. His work includes advancements in statistical methodology applied to various scientific fields.

Kam-Biu Luk, a professor of physics, is acknowledged for his leadership in particle physics experiments related to CP violation and neutrino oscillations. His work with the Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment provided significant insights into neutrino behavior.

These distinguished individuals will be celebrated at the AAAS forum on June 7, 2025 in Washington, D.C., where they will receive a certificate and a gold and blue rosette pin symbolizing their contributions to science and engineering.