Professor Hopi Hoekstra, a faculty member with a joint appointment to the MCB and OEB departments, has been elected to the prestigious American Philosophical Society (APS).
Hoekstra is one of 35 new members announced at the April APS meeting and one of just five US biologists to be inducted this year.
“I am so honored – and thrilled – to be included among the distinguished members of this historic organization,” says Hoekstra. “I am looking forward to learning more about the APS and being involved in its scholarly mission.”
Founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1743, APS includes distinguished scientists, scholars, and artists from all disciplines. Its mission is to “promote useful knowledge” through providing funding and forums for sharing ideas.
Hoekstra’s research focuses on genetic variation in natural populations, and how molecular changes contribute to an animal’s overall fitness. She is best known for experiments that identify connections between genetic change and behavior. She was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 2016 and to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2017.
“I have been incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to work with so many bright and hard-working young scientists over the years,” Hoekstra says. “This is really an honor to be shared with all of them.”
by Diana Crow
