A professor of Iowa State was recently awarded the distinction of fellowship by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Max F. Rothschild, a professor of animal science, will be among 16 other new fellows in the agriculture, food and renewable resources section to be recognized in Philadelphia at the 1998 AAAS annual meeting in February.

A total of 270 scientists and engineers were named fellows in 1997, with Rothschild being the only Iowan in the group.

The title of fellow is an honor given to those who have made a long-standing contribution to the field of science.

The professor was nominated for his work with gene identification and gene mapping of pigs, especially for his discovery of genes that influence litter size.

Rothschild and his colleagues have two patents on their discoveries.

Prior to his 17-year teaching career at ISU, Rothschild’s accomplishments included a bachelor’s in animal science from the University of California, Davis, a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, a Ph.D. from Cornell University, as well as a prior two-year teaching career at the University of Maryland.

Rothschild’s two main areas of interest are quantitative and molecular genetics.

Nearly all of Rothschild’s research is done at ISU, aside from work and information shared with colleagues at other universities through his post as coordinator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s U.S. pig-gene mapping project.

New projects on Rothschild’s agenda include concentration on genes influencing litter size and meat quality of pigs.

He credits some of his students and colleagues for their help in getting his research to where it is now.

“I’ve had a lot of super people as students and colleagues over the years, and ISU is a great place to work,” Rothschild said.

He said to be named a fellow is an honor and it feels great to be given such high recognition by his colleagues.