Three MU faculty named Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science

By Brian Consiglio

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has awarded the distinction of Fellow to three professors at the University of Missouri for their distinguished efforts in advancing various fields of science.

They are:

• Dongsheng Duan, PhD, a professor of molecular microbiology and immunology, and neurology, in the MU School of Medicine
• Shibu Jose, PhD, a professor of agroforestry in the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
• Paula McSteen, a professor of biological sciences in the MU College of Arts and Science

Duan’s research interests include better understanding and treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy, an inherited disorder of progressive muscular weakness. Duan is being recognized by AAAS “for distinguished contributions toward the development of adeno-associated virus transduction biology, and particularly for advances in viral gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.”

Jose’s research interests include ecological sustainability and agroforestry. Jose is being recognized by AAAS “for distinguished contributions to agroforestry science, particularly in studying interspecific interactions for resources that define sustainability and ecosystem services of these integrated production systems.”

McSteen’s research interests include the genetics of the corn plant and how a certain plant growth hormone – auxin – affects the manner in which a corn plant grows branches, leaves, flowers and ears. McSteen is being recognized by AAAS “for distinguished contributions to the field of plant genetics, particularly the role of the hormone, auxin, in maize reproductive development.”

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is the world’s largest general scientific society and publisher of the journal Science. Founded in 1848, the nonprofit fulfills its mission to “advance science and service society” through initiatives in science policy, international programs, science education and public engagement.

This story originally appeared in MU News Bureau on November 24, 2020.