The National Academy of Sciences elected Andrew Hanson, Griffin Sr. Eminent Scholar and horticultural sciences professor at the University of Florida (UF), as a member at its 161st annual meeting.
The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) elects members in recognition of their achievements in original research. Membership is a mark of excellence in the scientific community and is considered one of the highest honors a scientist can receive, according to the academy.
The academy is a private, non-profit institution that provides science, engineering and health policy advice to the federal government and other organizations.
Hanson said he takes his election as a responsibility, an opportunity and an honor.
“I hope to make good use of it to serve UF and the science and other communities I belong to,” he said. “The horticultural sciences department and UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences as a whole are the best places I’ve ever worked. They are rich in outstanding colleagues who stand squarely in the land-grant tradition, all of whom I want to take this opportunity to thank for their support, guidance and inspiration.”
He joins 21 University of Florida faculty elected to the academy.
“We are exceedingly proud of Dr. Hanson’s research accomplishments and the leadership he’s shown in his scientific disciplines,” said John Davis, UF/IFAS Interim Dean for Research. “We are also grateful for his countless service roles ranging from his department to the university level – he pays his successes forward at every opportunity. Dr. Hanson is a world- class scholar and this signature recognition by the NAS is well-deserved.”
Hanson’s research focuses on metabolic biochemistry, comparative genomics and plant vitamin metabolism and engineering. He received his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and botany at London University, as well as his Ph.D. in plant physiology at London University.
“National Academy status is one of the highest accolades our researchers can earn,” said David Norton, UF’s vice president for research. “We are honored when one of our faculty members receives this recognition. It reflects positively on Dr. Hanson, as well as on the institution.”
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ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
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