South Middlesex Times

Three Rutgers professors have been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences for their outstanding contributions in various fields. This prestigious honor recognizes their efforts in promoting African American voices in poetry, preserving the history of Chinese operatic performers in America, and leading groundbreaking cancer research.

Among the new inductees is John Keene, an accomplished writer who has received numerous accolades for his work, including a National Book Award for Poetry. Keene expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I strongly believe literature, and all art, are invaluable and have the power to shape and transform our understanding of and actions in the world for the better by helping us to read, think and see in new and distinctive ways.”

Nancy Yunhwa Rao, a music theorist and historian, has been recognized for her work in highlighting the influence of composers of Asian descent on contemporary American music. Rao's research on Chinese opera's impact on American life has shed light on an often overlooked aspect of entertainment history in America. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the broader community and history, stating, “It’s not a recognition of me alone, it’s the recognition of the community, this history.”

Eileen White, an expert in cancer metabolism, was also elected to the academy for her groundbreaking discoveries that have paved the way for novel cancer treatments. White's research focuses on understanding the role of cellular metabolism in cancer progression and treatment, leading to new strategies to inhibit tumor growth and enhance anti-cancer immune responses. Reflecting on her achievement, White expressed humility, saying, “It is humbling to be recognized in this way and to be a contributor to the international scientific community in cancer research.”

The American Academy of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1780, is one of the nation’s most prestigious honor societies, with a long history of recognizing leaders in various fields. President Jonathan Holloway commended Rutgers' new inductees, stating, “Rutgers’ three new distinguished members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences exemplify the academy’s long tradition of leaders in their varied fields working together to address complex, challenging issues and advance the public good.”

The induction of these three Rutgers professors into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences highlights the university's commitment to excellence in research and scholarship across diverse disciplines.