11 UW professors elected to Washington State Academy of Sciences
Our take
The recent announcement of eleven University of Washington professors elected to the Washington State Academy of Sciences (WSAS) is more than just a pat on the back for individual achievement; it signals a continued strengthening of research leadership within the state and underscores the crucial role of academic institutions in addressing complex challenges. These appointments, alongside the election of one professor to the WSAS Board of Directors, highlight UW's consistent contribution to scientific advancement and its commitment to translating research into tangible benefits for Washington communities. This recognition comes at a pivotal time, particularly given the ongoing work being done by institutions like the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation [With landmark 10-year investment, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation will deliver more local, timely health evidence worldwide], demonstrating the increasing demand for evidence-based solutions in a rapidly changing world. The WSAS itself serves as a vital bridge between the research community and policymakers, and these new members will undoubtedly enrich that connection.
The breadth of disciplines represented among the newly elected professors – spanning fields from medicine and engineering to environmental science and social sciences – is particularly noteworthy. It reflects the interdisciplinary nature of modern research and the growing understanding that solving pressing issues requires collaborative efforts across different areas of expertise. Consider the implications of this in light of recent discussions around the potential biases embedded within AI systems, as highlighted in the article [AI models nearly erase female characters when they write kids stories about animals]. The diverse perspectives brought by these newly elected members are essential for critically evaluating emerging technologies and ensuring they are developed and deployed responsibly. Furthermore, the WSAS’s commitment to fostering a space for the free exchange of ideas, even on potentially controversial topics, as demonstrated by their recent [Statement on cancellation of January 2027 lecture], reinforces the importance of academic freedom in driving innovation and progress. It’s a reminder that rigorous inquiry, even when uncomfortable, is essential for societal advancement.
The election process itself is rigorous, relying on nominations from peers and a thorough review of each candidate’s contributions to their field. Membership in the WSAS is a significant honor, recognizing not only exceptional research but also a commitment to public service and the advancement of science for the benefit of the state. The fact that UW consistently boasts a strong representation within the Academy speaks volumes about the quality of its faculty and the institution's overall research ecosystem. This ecosystem isn't just about individual brilliance, but also about fostering a supportive environment where collaboration thrives and innovative ideas can flourish. The ongoing investment in research infrastructure and the cultivation of interdisciplinary partnerships are clearly paying dividends, positioning UW and the state of Washington as a hub for scientific discovery.
Looking ahead, it will be fascinating to observe how these newly elected WSAS members leverage their positions to influence policy and shape the future of research in Washington. Will we see increased collaboration between academia and industry? How will they address the ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies? And perhaps most importantly, how will they ensure that the benefits of scientific progress are shared equitably across all communities within the state? The coming years promise to be a period of significant change and opportunity, and the contributions of these distinguished scholars will be instrumental in navigating the path forward.
Eleven faculty members at the University of Washington have been elected to the Washington State Academy of Sciences. They are among 30 scientists and educators from across the state announced July 16 as new members. Election recognizes the new member’s “outstanding record of scientific and technical achievement and willingness to assist the Academy in providing the best available scientific information and technical understanding to inform complex policy decisions in Washington.”
New WSAS members are selected by current members or by their election to national science academies. All 10 UW faculty members were voted on by current WSAS members:
Alberto Aliseda, chair and PACCAR Endowed Professor of mechanical engineering and adjunct professor of neurological surgery and of aeronautics and astronautics, for “significant contributions to scientific understanding of multiphase and biomedical flows, including the role of fluid mechanics on arterial disease, heart failure, biomedical devices, and surgical planning for respiratory disease, through work combining rigorous experimentation and analysis that has influenced both engineering and clinical practice.”
Dwayne Arola, professor of materials science and engineering, for “pioneering research on structure–processing–property relationships and the aging of hard tissues that has shaped modern oral health science, and for influential contributions to advanced manufacturing, biomechanics, and bioinspired materials — coupled with exemplary educational leadership — that have made a lasting impact across disciplines and the STEM community.”
Anirban Basu, professor of health economics and Stergachis Family Endowed Director of The CHOICE Institute, for “pioneering health economic methods — including causal estimation of personalized treatment effects, cost-effectiveness frameworks, and value-of-information analysis — that have shaped national drug pricing policies, international discussions on the economics of innovation, and the scientific foundations of the economics of precision medicine.”
Ruth Etzioni, affiliate professor of health services and biostatistics and professor in the Public Health Sciences Division at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, for “pioneering statistical models that transformed cancer early detection and screening policy, reshaping national and global guidelines and advancing equitable public health decision‑making, and for exceptional leadership, cross‑disciplinary collaboration, and mentorship, influencing generations of scientists.”
Tessa Evans-Campbell, Charles O. Cressey Endowed Professor of social work and executive co-director of the Indigenous Wellness Research Institute, for “pioneering research across historical trauma, cultural buffers, and healing; substance use/misuse prevention; indigenous health disparities and family wellness; and youth health interventions.”
Margaret Kuklinski, Endowed Professor in Prevention in the School of Social Work and director of the Social Development Research Group, for “contributions to the economic assessment of prevention programs addressing substance abuse and mental health, and for advancing community-engaged research, and effective communication of findings to different audiences.”
Phillip Levin, director of and research professor in the UW School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, for “leadership and contributions in ecosystem-based management, salmon conservation, urban ecology, and pioneering contributions to the development of social-ecological approaches to environmental problem solving.”
Ulrike Peters, research professor of epidemiology and associate director for public health sciences at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center for “integrating large‑scale genomic, environmental, and tumor data to advance colorectal cancer prevention and reduce population disparities, and for her leadership at Fred Hutch, shaping precision prevention and population health science.”
Nikolla Qafoku, affiliate professor of environmental engineering and chief scientist and laboratory fellow emeritus at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, for “his seminal leadership and sustained contributions to soil and agricultural science and environmental geosciences, spanning basic and applied research, university-level teaching and mentoring, and exceptional service.”
Michael Regnier, professor of bioengineering, the Dr. James B. Bassingthwaighte Endowed Faculty Fellow in Bioengineering, director of the Center for Translational Muscle Research, and associate chair of research and translation for the Department of Bioengineering, for “internationally recognized leadership in discovering the molecular mechanisms of contractile dysfunction with familial genetic mutations that lead to muscle dysfunction with disease, the design of novel, targeted therapies, and training the next generation of scientists and engineers to have further impact in understanding and treating heart failure and skeletal muscle diseases.”
Dr. Dushyant Sahani, professor and chair of radiology in UW Medicine, for “contributions to the science and clinical practice of radiological imaging and for leadership in national programs and professional and scientific societies that advance academic radiology.”
Additionally, Dr. Judith Wasserheit, professor emerita of global health and of medicine and epidemiology in the UW School of Medicine, was elected to the WSAS Board of Directors. Wassersheit has been a member of WSAS since 2008. An infectious disease physician and epidemiologist, Dr. Wasserheit played a central role in launching the UW Department of Global Health and served as chair from 2014-2022. She also served as co-director for the UW Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness. She was the founding chief of the U.S. National Institute of Health’s Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Research Branch, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s STD/HIV Prevention Program and director of the FHCRC-based HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Her work on epidemiological synergy between HIV and sexually transmitted infections has shaped prevention policy worldwide.
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