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Patricia Brennan, associate professor of biological sciences, will be recognized as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the world’s largest general scientific society and publisher of the Science family of journals. Brennan studies morphological evolution and genital morphology in female vertebrates and has described novel anatomical traits that have been largely overlooked in a field dominated by male-driven perspectives.

Brennan is among the 508 scientists, engineers and innovators who have been elected for their scientifically and socially distinguished achievements throughout their careers. She is among the more than 30 Mount Holyoke faculty members who have received the honor since the inception of the institution.

“Patty’s election to be a AAAS Fellow reflects her unswerving dedication to her research and students,” said Lisa Sullivan, provost and dean of faculty at �鶹��ý����. “Patty’s passion, dedication and innovation in research embody the spirit of Mount Holyoke faculty, and we could not be more honored to be her home institution.”

In addition to pushing her field forward with her own research, Brennan is dedicated to inspiring her students and empowering them to do their own research.

“I am thrilled and grateful to have been elected as a fellow of AAAS,” said Brennan. “I hope my work can increase public understanding of why we must maintain the breadth of the scientific questions and why diversity among scientists themselves is essential to a deeper understanding of biological processes. The work of AAAS has been a critical part of my career — its work on science policy, science communication and networking among its members — and I am honored to count myself as a fellow.”

A tradition dating back to 1874, election as a is a lifetime honor, and all fellows are expected to maintain the highest standards of professional ethics and scientific integrity. Distinguished past honorees include W.E.B. Du Bois, Ellen Ochoa, Steven Chu, Grace Hopper, Alan Alda, Mae Jemison and Ayanna Howard. Joining the ranks of fellows last year were roboticist Ayanna Howard, actor and science communicator Alan Alda, and molecular biologist Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado.