Zoologist elected to National Academy of Sciences

The National Academy of Sciences announced today (April 20) the election of 72 new members, including Monica Turner, a UW–Madison zoology professor.

Election to membership in the academy is one of the highest honors bestowed to U.S. scientists or engineers, and it represents their distinguished and continued contributions to original research.

Turner, a member of the UW–Madison faculty since 1994, researches aspects of ecological change. Much of her work focuses on the causes and consequences of spatial variation in ecological systems and the dynamics of natural disturbances, such as fire or flooding, on an area’s ecology, including tree growth and the foraging habits of the animals who live there.

In addition to the new members, bringing the total of active members to 1,949, the academy also elected 18 foreign associates from 13 countries.

The National Academy of Sciences, established in 1863 to serve as an official adviser to the federal government, is a private organization of scientists and engineers committed to furthering science and its use for general welfare.