Professor Craig Woodard named AAAS fellow

Craig Woodard, Christianna Smith Professor of Biological Sciences, has been recognized as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world’s largest general scientific society and publisher of the Science family of journals.

Woodard’s research examined how steroid hormones affect animal development by analyzing genes in the common fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) that turn the fly from a larva into an adult insect. His findings have been published in journals such as Cell, Developmental Biology and Developmental Dynamics.

“The AAAS fellowship is one of the most prestigious forms of recognition in the academic community,” Woodard said. “I believe that community and collaboration drive science forward. The AAAS is an inclusive organization that supports all aspects of science. It gives me great pride to join this cohort of incredible scientists whose curiosity has driven new discoveries to further our understanding of biological processes.

“In recognition of scientific collaboration, I thank my colleagues, and I especially want to mention the many, many wonderful students I’ve worked with in the classroom and in the laboratory at Mount Holyoke College,” he continued. “Their work, enthusiasm and insights remind me that the next generation of scientists are bold and boundless leaders.”

Woodard is among 470 other scientists, engineers and innovators elected as 2025 fellows for their distinguished scientific and social achievements throughout their careers. He shares this recognition with the more than 30 talented and dynamic Mount Holyoke faculty members who have received the honor since the inception of AAAS.

“Craig’s election to be an AAAS fellow reflects his unswerving dedication to his scholarship and mentoring student researchers,” said Lisa Sullivan, provost and dean of faculty at Mount Holyoke College. “His passion and distinguished contributions embody the spirit of Mount Holyoke faculty, and we could not be more honored to be his home institution.”

Election as an AAAS fellow is a lifetime honor and a tradition dating back to 1874, 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.