Four faculty members from UCLA have been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, recognized as one of the country’s leading honorary societies. The inductees include Christine Borgman, Marjorie Harness Goodwin, Alan Grinnell, and Jeffrey Lewis. They join nearly 250 individuals from various sectors and disciplines who have been selected for membership this year.
The academy is known for its role as an independent research hub, bringing leaders together to tackle major challenges and deliver insightful studies that benefit national and international policy, as well as public welfare.
Laurie Patton, the academy’s president, stated, “These new members’ accomplishments speak volumes about the human capacity for discovery, creativity, leadership, and persistence. They are a stellar testament to the power of knowledge to broaden our horizons and deepen our understanding.” Patton extended an invitation for the new members to support the academy’s mission of promoting the common good.
An induction ceremony is scheduled in October at the academy’s Cambridge, Massachusetts headquarters.
Detailed profiles of the new UCLA members include:
– Christine L. Borgman, a distinguished research professor in information studies at the UCLA School of Education & Information Studies, is notable for her work in scientific data practices, information policy, and knowledge infrastructures. Borgman has authored over 300 publications, including award-winning books, and her research emphasizes data accessibility, interoperability, transparency, and ethical management.
– Marjorie Harness Goodwin, a distinguished research professor of anthropology at UCLA College, concentrates on linguistic anthropology, exploring how communication and language influence social dynamics. Her work, which has been published in influential books, provides insights into human social behavior and interaction.
– Alan Grinnell, a distinguished professor of integrative biology and physiology at UCLA College, is renowned for his expertise on bats and echolocation. His research has contributed to advancements in several technological fields. Grinnell’s interests also extend to art, specifically that of ancient America.
– Jeffrey Lewis, a professor of political science at UCLA College, focuses on democratic representation and political behavior. He is integral to the development of tools used to analyze legislative procedures and ideological polarization and oversees the Voteview.com platform.
Additionally, the 2025 class includes filmmaker and UCLA alumna, Ava DuVernay.
