October 29, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Research Triangle Park, NC —Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society is pleased to announce the 2025 cohort of Sigma Xi Fellows, a distinguished group of 18 members recognized for sustained contributions to scientific research, leadership, and service to the Society.
The Fellows program of Sigma Xi recognizes members who have achieved exceptional results in research or engineering, demonstrated sustained scholarship and mentorship, and contributed significantly to the mission of the Society. This year’s cohort underscores the interdisciplinary strength of Sigma Xi’s membership, representing diverse fields in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and institutions across academia, government, and industry.
“Being named a Sigma Xi Fellow is one of the Society’s highest honors,” said Jamie Vernon, executive director and CEO of Sigma Xi. “Our Fellows exemplify the ideals of research excellence, integrity, and service that define Sigma Xi. Through their contributions, they advance scientific discovery and inspire the next generation of researchers.”
The 2025 Fellows will be formally inducted on November 1 in a virtual ceremony at the Society’s annual meeting, the International Forum on Research Excellence (IFoRE).
Founded in 1886, Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society, is one of the world’s oldest and largest organizations honoring excellence in scientific research. With more than 500 chapters worldwide and a multidisciplinary membership of scientists, engineers, and scholars, Sigma Xi fosters integrity in research and advocates for the role of science in improving the human condition.
Congratulations to the 2025 Sigma Xi Fellows:
Lori Eckhardt
For her pioneering research on the complex interactions among fungi, insects, and pine hosts that affect forest health, and for her leadership in fostering collaboration, communication, and outreach between scientists, policymakers, and the public to promote sustainable forest management and scientific engagement.
Peter Garbincius
For his distinguished contributions to particle physics through pioneering research on the properties of quark-containing particles and for his exemplary leadership and outreach at Fermilab, fostering public understanding and engagement with fundamental science.
Robert Grossman
For his groundbreaking contributions to data science, computational biomedicine, and translational research, and for his leadership in developing open data platforms and collaborative infrastructures that advance scientific discovery and innovation across medicine and the life sciences.
HollyAnn Harris
For her distinguished leadership in advancing science education, advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration within Sigma Xi, and for her long-standing commitment to student success, mentorship, and academic excellence.
Christine Hermann
For her four decades of excellence in chemical education and mentorship, her innovative research in organic chemistry and laboratory pedagogy, and her dedicated service in advancing student engagement and public appreciation of science.
Roald Hoffmann
For his groundbreaking theoretical contributions to the understanding of chemical reactivity that earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, his exceptional commitment to science education and public engagement, and his unique integration of science, poetry, and philosophy to deepen society’s appreciation of the human dimensions of scientific discovery.
Evelyn Hu
For her transformative work in nanofabrication and quantum photonics—coupling artificial atoms to nanoscale cavities to enable controlled, coherent device behavior—and her distinguished leadership in science education, technology translation, and public outreach.
Philipp Kornreich
For his long and innovative career in solid-state and optoelectronic research—from pioneering low-temperature symmetry measurements and inventing novel fiber-optic devices to founding specialized fiber fabrication labs—and for his decades of service in mentoring, teaching, and advancing technology.
Sir Cato T. Laurencin
For his pioneering leadership in the newly founded field of regenerative engineering—where he has integrated biomaterials science, stem cell technology, nanotechnology, and clinical translation to engineer tissues and limbs—and for his exceptional record of mentorship, innovation, and service advancing diversity, equity, and scientific impact across medicine and engineering.
Shankar Mahalingam
For his pioneering research in turbulent combustion modeling, fire-spread dynamics, and fluid–structure interactions—combined with his sustained service in mentoring students, leading engineering departments, and advancing computational science at multiple institutions.
Joseph Merola
For his distinguished career bridging industrial and academic chemistry—pioneering catalytic research in carbon monoxide and hydrogen chemistry and demonstrating exceptional leadership in departmental and institutional service.
Ellen Mosley-Thompson
For her pioneering contributions to paleoclimate science—using chemical and physical analyses of ice cores from polar and alpine regions to reconstruct Earth’s climate history—and for her leadership of numerous high-risk field expeditions, prolific scholarship, and service on national science advisory committees.
Kenneth Nagy
For his distinguished career in physiological ecology—particularly his pioneering work on energy, water balance, and survival strategies in desert vertebrates such as Mojave tortoises—and his decades of inspiring teaching, field-based mentorship, and public engagement in ecology and conservation.
Valerie Paul
For her pioneering and sustained contributions to marine chemical ecology and coral reef science and for her leadership as Director of the Smithsonian Marine Station and service on national scientific committees addressing harmful algae and ecosystem health.
Peter Raven
For his exceptional lifetime contributions to botany and biodiversity conservation—leading the Missouri Botanical Garden into a global research and education powerhouse, serving as Sigma Xi President, and advocating for conservation, science policy, and public understanding of environmental sustainability.
Marc Slattery
For his groundbreaking interdisciplinary work in marine chemical ecology and reef biology and bridging maritime research with pharmaceutical science through mentorship and leadership.
Kelly O. Sullivan
For her outstanding leadership in advancing multidisciplinary research and innovation at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and for her exemplary service to the scientific community as a dedicated former President of Sigma Xi.
Richard Turner
For his sustained contributions to marine biology research and for his long-term service to the scientific community through leadership roles in the Florida Academy of Sciences and participation in Sigma Xi’s national governance.