Two ISU professors were recently named fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world’s largest federation of scientists.

Thomas Baker, professor of entomology, and John Hill, professor of plant pathology, are two of the 283 newly selected fellows of the society.

AAAS is a nonprofit professional society that attempts to advance scientific and technological excellence across all disciplines.

Following selection, fellows go to Washington, D.C., in September of each year and participate in a comprehensive two-week orientation program before beginning their fellowships in the various governmental sectors.

Thomas Baker said AAAS granted him its fellowship because of his “pioneering studies contributing to an understanding of how flying insects locate sources of odor and neuroethologically based advances in understanding insect olfaction.”

Baker said he started his professional career as a technician in a laboratory that studied insect behavior basics. He said he was attracted to this area of entomology through his work there and thought to himself, “That’s a field I want to do more in.”

Joel Coats, chairman of the entomology department and the primary nominator of Baker for the AAAS fellowship, said the main goal of Baker’s research is to reduce the reproduction of insects on farms, allowing for larger and better crop yields.

Baker, who said he undertook this research area almost three decades ago, identified advancing agriculture in Iowa as the ultimate goal of his research.

“Iowa State is science with practice, and I really feel strongly about putting your knowledge to use,” he said.

Coats said Baker’s creativity in approaching his research and his patience, dedication and persistence all contribute to his outstanding scientific status.

“I’d categorize him as a pioneer in researching this area of entomology that he’s chosen, and he’s very deserving of the distinction,” Coats said.

As for Baker, he described the AAAS fellowship as his greatest achievement so far. “It’s an honor, and I’m proud to have received it,” he said.

Hill was granted the fellowship for his excellence in teaching plant pathology and for cutting-edge research on the detection, characterization and epidemiology of the soybean mosaic virus.

Although proud of his achievement, Hill said it was not only his individual efforts that made him deserving of the AAAS fellowship; he also praised his colleagues’ cooperation.

“It’s a tribute to all the people whom I’ve had the fortune to work with,” he said.

Edward Braun, chairman of the plant pathology department, said this is great accomplishment for Hill.

“It’s a kind of a recognition for his contributions over a long period of time,” he said.

Furthermore, Braun said awards such as AAAS fellowships act as one possible measure of a department’s success.

“Awards, in general, are a good reflection of a department,” he said.