NEWS: Donis-Keller Appointed Co-Leader of Biology Section and Member-at-Large for American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Helen Donis-Keller, professor of biology and art and Michael E. Moody Professor, has been appointed to a two-year term as one of two leaders of the Biology Section and a Member-at-Large of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world’s largest multidisciplinary scientific society and a leading publisher of cutting-edge research through its Science family of journals.
Helen Donis-Keller, professor of biology and art, and Michael E. Moody Professor.
“I feel honored and excited by the prospect of standing up for science at a national level through this leadership opportunity and to represent Olin College," said Donis-Keller. "There has never been a more exciting time to be a researcher in biology or to explore new frontiers in science education. With more than 40,000 members in the biology section, I will be part of a wonderful community.”
At Olin, Donis-Keller teaches courses in biology and in art that encourage active learning using a project-based approach.
Prior to joining the Olin faculty in 2001, Donis-Keller held leadership positions in the biotechnology industry and in academic science. She was director of the human genetics department at Collaborative Research, Inc., where she led the research group that developed the first genetic linkage map of the human genome. Later, she was a professor of surgery and director of the Division of Human Molecular Genetics at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Her research group identified a gene and mutations that cause several forms of thyroid cancer and also developed predictive diagnostic tests that served as preventative measures in the development of thyroid cancer.
“All of us at Olin are so proud of Helen, who earned this prestigious AAAS leadership role through a career-long track record of scientific research breakthroughs that include biological discoveries, publications, and applications in both industrial and academic settings,” said Rob Martello, interim dean of Faculty Affairs and professor of History of Science & Technology. “Helen’s nationally-visible position is not only well-earned, but also well-timed. The world is in desperate need of her experience, insight and interdisciplinary perspective, and this national platform will allow Helen to advocate for scientific education, strengthen the science community and bring insights from her ongoing work back to her lucky colleagues and students here at Olin.”
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is the world’s largest general scientific society and publisher of the Science family of journals. AAAS was founded in 1848 and includes more than 250 affiliated societies and academies of science, serving 10 million individuals. The nonprofit AAAS is open to all and fulfills its mission to “advance science and serve society” through initiatives in science policy, international programs, science education, public engagement, and more.
Founded in 1997, Olin College of Engineering instills passion and ignites innovation in its students and prepares them to envision, create and deliver products, services, and systems that transform and improve people’s lives around the world. Olin teaches students to be explorers and creators who design their own paths. By challenging norms and sharing its unique approach to education, Olin is revolutionizing the way undergraduate engineers learn and create knowledge. Located in Needham, Massachusetts, Olin is ranked among the top three undergraduate engineering programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report.