The National Academy of Sciences (NAS), established in 1863, is the body of distinguished researchers “charged with providing independent, objective advice to the nation on matters related to science and technology.” Election to membership is among the highest honors a scientist can receive. This year, three Damon Runyon alumnae joined the NAS ranks, bringing the total number of Damon Runyon alumni in NAS to 100.

Helen M. Piwnica-Worms, PhD (Fellow ’84-’85), professor of cancer biology and experimental radiation, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston

Michelle D. Wang, PhD (Fellow ’95-’97, Scholar ’98-’00), investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; and James Gilbert White Distinguished  Professor of the Physical Sciences, Department of Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

Honkoi Zeng, PHD (Fellow '96 - '99), executive vice president and director, Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle 

Read more: National Academy of Sciences