Two University of Chicago scientists named AAAS fellows for 2015

November 23, 2015

Two distinguished scientists and educators have been named fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for their scientifically or socially distinguished efforts to advance science or its applications.

The latest University of Chicago additions are Barry Aprison, PhD, a senior lecturer in the Biological Sciences Collegiate Division and education and outreach director for the Institute for Genomics and Systems Biology, and Michael W. Vannier, MD, professor emeritus of radiology.

A formal announcement listing all 347 scientists will be published in the AAAS news & notes section of the journal Science on Nov. 27. New fellows will be honored on Feb. 13, 2016, at the AAAS fellows forum during the Association's annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

Aprison was elected for his distinguished contributions to science through his work at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, and in STEM education and outreach at the University of Chicago.

Before joining the University of Chicago in 2008, Aprison spent almost 20 years as Director of Science and Technology at the Museum of Science and Industry. His leadership there resulted in millions of people being educated about STEM disciplines. Aprison managed project teams that designed and produced highly successful interactive exhibits. He also directed outreach education programs for visitors, parents, teachers and students. 

At the University of Chicago, Aprison designs and produces a portfolio of education and training programs for high school students, teachers, undergraduates, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and faculty. 

Vannier was elected for his distinguished contributions, mentorship and leadership in the field of medical imaging, particularly for his work on image visualization, surface modeling and life-like reconstruction of computed tomography images.

He is known for his pioneering efforts in the collection and presentation of medical imaging data. Vannier and two colleagues published the first three-dimensional reconstruction built from single computed tomography slices of the human head in 1983. It was, according to AAAS, a "quantum leap for three-dimensional imaging" that led to improved pre-operative planning for patients who required surgery involving the head.

More recently, Vannier has become an authority on the non-invasive use of high-resolution CT scanning to learn more about fossils, mummies and ancient art objects.

The tradition of AAAS Fellows began in 1874. Fellows must have been continuous members of AAAS for four years by the end of the calendar year in which they are elected. Each steering group reviews the nominations of individuals within its respective section and a final list is forwarded to the AAAS Council, which votes on the aggregate list.