South Middlesex Times

Five Rutgers professors have been named Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for their outstanding contributions to various scientific fields. These individuals are leading the way in cutting-edge research that aims to bring about positive change in the world and improve people's lives.

Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway expressed his admiration for the honored faculty members, stating, "The five newly inducted Rutgers fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science are at the leading edge of research in neuroscience and biological and medical sciences." Their work spans critical areas such as the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, understanding brain processes, and exploring the effectiveness of cancer drugs.

Among the distinguished honorees is Gary Aston-Jones, who envisions a future where precision therapeutics for neuropsychiatric disorders are easily accessible without the risk of addiction. Aston-Jones has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of cognitive function and dysfunction, particularly in relation to psychiatric disorders.

Maureen Barr, another honored professor, has made significant strides in studying cilia and their role in genetic-based diseases. Barr's work has shed light on how cilia mutations can lead to various health conditions, showcasing the importance of these microscopic structures in human biology.

M. Maral Mouradian's groundbreaking research on Parkinson’s disease has led to the development of continuous delivery formulations for Parkinson drugs, offering patients a more stable and effective treatment approach. Mouradian's focus on finding disease-modifying treatments underscores her commitment to improving outcomes for individuals affected by neurodegenerative disorders.

Christopher Rongo's innovative research in synaptic cell biology has explored how cells respond to oxygen deprivation, providing insights into conditions like stroke and traumatic brain injury. Rongo's dedication to understanding the impact of hypoxia on human health has the potential to pave the way for new therapeutic interventions in the future.

Lastly, Kathleen Scotto's extensive work in molecular mechanisms underlying tumor response to treatments has significantly contributed to the field of cancer research. Scotto's efforts to unravel the complexities of cancer cells and their survival mechanisms highlight her unwavering dedication to finding novel approaches to treat this challenging disease.

The recognition of these five Rutgers professors as AAAS Fellows underscores the university's commitment to excellence in scientific research and innovation. Their achievements exemplify the transformative power of academic scholarship in addressing pressing global health challenges and advancing human knowledge.