Two new scientists have joined the group of current and retired UF professors recognized by the National Academy of Sciences.
Doug Soltis and Arthur Hebard were both elected by current members of the NAS for their research last week.
The NAS, which now has 16 scientists from UF and about 2,250 scientists in total, aims to link government and science through the advanced research of its members.
Soltis, a UF plant biology professor and curator at the Florida Museum of Natural History, was elected into the academy for his research on plant evolution and biodiversity.
Soltis is currently working on a project called Tree of Life, which maps the relations among all organisms and explains the connections and biodiversity between those living on Earth.
“I think what makes me get up every day is the amazing diversity on this planet and learning how it all fits together,” Soltis said.
Soltis said he hopes NAS will give him a better platform to display his research.
“I look forward to helping and making a difference,” Soltis said.
Hebard, a UF physics professor, was the first in the Department of Physics to be recognized by the academy.
Hebard currently studies condensed matter experimental physics, and he believes his NAS membership will give him a voice in science at a higher level.
“NAS will give me a chance to broaden myself by collaborating and interacting with other members,” he said.
Hebard said his favorite part about physics is the diverse results found every day.
“You have to be willing to be surprised,” Hebard said.
“If you go into work knowing what to expect for the day, you are not doing physics research,” he said.
Soltis, left, Hebard, right.
