Surmeier Recognized by AAAS for Contributions to Science and Technology
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D. James Surmeier, Jr., PhD, Nathan Smith Davis Professor and chair in the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Department of Physiology, has been elected as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
Surmeier was elected by other members of the AAAS as part of the section on neuroscience and is among 531 newly selected fellows. Designation as a fellow honors Surmeier’s scientifically or socially distinguished efforts to advance science or its applications.
“This honor is a testament to the good fortune I have had — working with such terrific students, postdocs and colleagues over the past couple of decades,” Surmeier says. “Science is truly a communal enterprise.”
The Surmeier Lab focuses on cell and molecular neuroscience and revolves around the question of how neuromodulators shape the excitability of basal ganglia neurons, which regulate motor and cognitive behaviors. Disorders in basal ganglia function trigger a variety of psychomotor disorders including Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, Huntington’s disease, schizophrenia and Tourette’s syndrome.
Surmeier will be recognized for his contributions at the Fellows Forum to be held in February 2010 during the AAAS annual meeting in San Diego. The new fellows will receive a certificate and a blue and gold rosette as a symbol of their distinguished accomplishments.
“This recognition provides my colleagues and me with the encouragement to push ahead with the work we’re doing,” Surmeier says.
AAAS is an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing science around the world by serving as an educator, leader, spokesperson and professional association. In addition to organizing membership activities, AAAS publishes the journal Science, as well as many scientific newsletters, books and reports.