Ray Huey, professor emeritus of biology, was elected to the National Academy of Sciences for 2024. Members are elected to the NAS in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. Membership is a widely accepted mark of excellence in science and is considered one of the highest honors that a scientist can receive. 

Dr. Huey focuses on evolutionary issues involving the physiology, behavior and ecology of cold-blooded animals, especially of lizards and flies. His recent research has looked at how these animals that rely on external sources of heat will be affected by climate change. Other studies have looked at the effects of altitude on mountaineers, and how baby name trends may be influenced by climate change.

Keiko Torii, Biology Affiliate Professor and faculty member at the University of Texas, Austin, is also among this year’s newly elected members. Torii, who was a core member of the UW faculty from 1999 to 2019, studies stem cells and plant development. 

Susan Kaech, former UW Biology undergraduate student and researcher, was also elected to the NAS this year. Dr. Kaech is currently a professor and director of the NOMIS Center for Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis at the Salk Institute for Biological Sciences.  

Congratulations, Ray, Keiko, and Susan!

Read the full story in UW News.