The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has elected Yingzi Yang, associate dean for Research and professor of Developmental Biology at Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM), to the 2023 cohort of AAAS Fellows, a distinguished group of 502 scientists, engineers, and innovators across 24 disciplines. The lifetime honor is considered to be one of the most prestigious a U.S. scientist can receive.
AAAS is one of the largest scientific societies with origins dating back to 1848. The honor of being elected a Fellow of AAAS began in 1874. Each year, Fellows are elected by their peers for work that is scientifically or socially distinguished. Yang was selected for her contributions to the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying Wnt and Hedgehog signaling in skeletal biology and diseases.
“Being elected as an AAAS fellow is a significant honor for a scientist. I am deeply thankful to all the trainees who dedicated their efforts to my lab, as well as to my colleagues and friends whose unwavering support and encouragement have been invaluable. I extend my heartfelt gratitude for all the inspiration you have provided,” Yang said.
Yang’s laboratory at HSDM uses molecular, cellular, genetic, and genomic approaches to investigate the critical roles of cell signaling in embryonic morphogenesis and adult physiology. Through her research, she has made substantial contributions to understanding how cells communicate with each other to ensure proper control of embryonic development and physiological functions of the skeleton and liver. Her work has successfully bridged discoveries of fundamental mechanisms with the characterization and treatment of diseases.
Yang and other new AAAS Fellows will be celebrated at the annual Fellows Forum held in Washington, D.C. in September 2024.
