UCLA has announced that four of its faculty members have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) for their achievements in original research. The new members are Heather Maynard, Sorin Popa, Marilyn Raphael, and the late Edward Leamer. This recognition is part of a new class consisting of 120 members and 30 international members, as revealed by the academy recently.
The NAS is a prestigious organization where membership requires election by peers. With this latest election, the academy now has 2,662 active members who contribute their expertise in science and technology to the federal government.
Edward Leamer, a distinguished professor emeritus at UCLA Anderson School of Management, was a prominent figure in the field of economics. Over a career spanning five decades, Leamer made significant contributions to research methodologies, global economics, and economic forecasting. His article “Let’s Take the Con Out of Econometrics” called for increased transparency in economic modeling. Leamer also directed the UCLA Anderson Forecast for 16 years.
Heather Maynard, a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at UCLA College, is recognized for her work in protein-polymer conjugates, which are crucial therapeutics for various diseases. Her research also focuses on precision medicine, developing “smart materials” that respond to disease conditions. Maynard serves as an associate editor of the Journal of the American Chemical Society and is involved in multiple research initiatives at UCLA.
Sorin Popa, another recognized faculty member, is a professor of mathematics at UCLA College and is known for his work in operator algebras related to quantum physics. Popa’s contributions extend to group theory and ergodic theory. He has received numerous accolades for his work and has been a member of UCLA’s faculty since 1987.
Marilyn Raphael, a professor of geography at UCLA, studies global climate change and the dynamics of Antarctic sea ice. Her recent work highlights concerns about the potential irreversible transformation of Antarctica’s ice system. Raphael has co-authored a widely recognized book on climate change and has held several leadership roles within academic and scientific organizations.
All four UCLA faculty members have made notable impacts in their respective fields, and their election to the NAS underscores their contributions to science and academia.
