The National Academy of Sciences (NAS), a renowned organization dedicated to advancing science and technology for the benefit of society, has announced the election of 120 new members. Among this distinguished group are seven prominent researchers from Stanford University, each recognized for their exceptional contributions to original research across various disciplines. Election to the NAS is a significant honor, as members are selected by their peers in acknowledgment of their distinguished and ongoing achievements in the scientific community.

The NAS plays a critical role in advising the United States government on important matters concerning scientific research, engineering innovations, and health policy issues. By incorporating the expertise of its members, the organization aims to enhance the nation's scientific capabilities and inform public policy decisions.

The Stanford researchers honored with election to the NAS are:

  • Shanhui Fan: He holds the title of Joseph and Hon Mai Goodman Professor and serves as a professor of electrical engineering in Stanford's School of Engineering. In addition to his role in the classroom, Fan is a senior fellow at the Precourt Institute for Energy, where he contributes to the advancement of sustainable energy technologies. He is also an esteemed member of Stanford Bio-X, which fosters interdisciplinary research in the life sciences.
  • David Grusky: The Edward Ames Edmonds Professor of Economics and a sociology professor in the School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S), Grusky directs the Center on Poverty and Inequality at Stanford. His research focuses on socioeconomic disparities, and he is a senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR). Additionally, Grusky is a faculty affiliate of the Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, which emphasizes the intersection of AI and social sciences.
  • Michelle Monje: As the Milan Gambhir Professor in Pediatric Neuro-Oncology and a professor of pediatric neurology at Stanford Medicine, Monje is known for her groundbreaking work on brain tumors in children. She is a member of several prestigious institutes, including Bio-X and the Stanford Cancer Institute, and is actively involved in advancing stem cell research through the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine.
  • Jonathan Pritchard: A distinguished professor of genetics in Stanford Medicine, Pritchard also serves as the Bing Professor of Population Studies and a biology professor in H&S. His research primarily focuses on human genetics and evolution, and like his colleagues, he is a member of Bio-X, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration in biological research.
  • Cecilia Ridgeway: The Lucie Stern Professor of Social Sciences, Emerita, Ridgeway has made significant contributions to the understanding of social hierarchies and gender relations in society. As a professor emerita of sociology in H&S, her research continues to influence perspectives on social dynamics.
  • Kang Shen: Holding the Frank Lee and Carol Hall Professorship, Shen is a professor of biology in H&S and specializes in neuroscience. He is also the Vincent V.C. Woo Director of the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute and a professor of pathology at Stanford Medicine. His research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying behavior and development.
  • Risa Wechsler: A professor of physics in H&S and a professor of particle physics and astrophysics at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Wechsler is the director of the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology. Her work is essential in understanding the universe's structure and the fundamental nature of dark matter.

The election of these seven researchers not only highlights their individual accomplishments but also underscores Stanford University's commitment to innovation and excellence in research. As members of the NAS, they will join a network of leading scientists dedicated to furthering scientific knowledge and addressing critical challenges facing society today.