University of Arizona Scholars Honored as AAAS Fellows
Three esteemed faculty members from the University of Arizona have been recognized as fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). This prestigious acknowledgment is bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.
The 2025 class of nearly 500 fellows includes three distinguished scientists from the University of Arizona, who will be honored at a ceremony in Washington D.C. on May 29.
- Dr. Marvin Slepian, Regents Professor of medicine and biomedical engineering
- Valerie Trouet, professor at the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research
- Vicente Talanquer, University Distinguished Professor of chemistry and biochemistry
“This year’s AAAS Fellows have demonstrated research excellence, made notable contributions to advance science, and delivered important services to their communities,” said Sudip S. Parikh, AAAS chief executive officer and executive publisher of the Science family of journals. “These Fellows and their accomplishments validate the importance of investing in science and technology for the benefit of all.”
With these recent appointments, the University of Arizona now boasts 30 elected fellows in total.
Dr. Marvin Slepian
Dr. Marvin Slepian, a Regents Professor in both medicine and biomedical engineering, has been recognized for his groundbreaking work in cardiovascular bioengineering and medical technology. His lab pioneered the first biodegradable coronary stent and developed “arterial paving,” a method that prevents tissue regrowth and plaque accumulation.
Slepian is also noted for his work on cardiovascular devices, including heart valves and the first FDA-approved total artificial heart. He continues to explore the effects of physical forces on blood clot formation and has spearheaded the development of wearable smart sensors.
As the founder and director of the Arizona Center for Accelerated Biomedical Innovation (ACABI), Slepian facilitates the translation of scientific discoveries into practical applications. “We go around, find unmet needs, find science, and become a creativity engine, to innovate,” Slepian said.
His contributions to intellectual property are also noteworthy, having earned over 100 patents and serving on the Patent Public Advisory Committee of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. “You need science, medicine, and engineering to innovate,” Slepian said, “but you also need law to operate.”
Valerie Trouet
Professor Valerie Trouet, affiliated with the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research, is celebrated for her significant work in paleoclimatology and dendrochronology. Her research into tree rings provides insight into historical climate patterns.
“It’s really a sign of appreciation of your science and scientific integrity not just by your colleagues, but by the bigger scientific community,” Trouet said. Her fascination with tree rings began with her master’s research in Tanzania and has since led to innovative methods for studying tropical tree rings.
At the University of Arizona since 2011, Trouet’s projects include analyzing forest fire history and using X-ray CT scans to study tree-ring density. She is also committed to science communication, recognizing the accessibility of tree-ring research to the public. “The concept of tree-rings is so familiar among people that it lends itself very well to science communication and to reaching a wider audience,” Trouet said.
Vicente Talanquer
Vicente Talanquer, a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, is honored for his pioneering research in chemistry education. Talanquer transitioned from physical chemistry to focus on educational research, addressing challenges in student learning and teaching practices.
“My area of research, chemistry education, is not pure chemistry – it is not uncommon for this kind of educational work to be viewed as less than traditional lab research. So, I’m glad to be recognized for this valid and important area of research,” Talanquer said.
After completing his Ph.D. at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, Talanquer contributed to writing national textbooks, an experience that emphasized the transformative power of education. At the University of Arizona, he helped develop a science teacher preparation program and now investigates how interactive AI tools can enhance student reasoning in chemistry.
“Many problems we face today, such as global warming, are chemical in origin. If we want students to be able to understand and contribute to solving those issues, they must be able to think systemically using their chemical knowledge,” Talanquer said.
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