Reiness Named AAAS Fellow

Gary Reiness, associate dean and professor of biology, has been named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

The honor signifies Reiness’ dedication to improving undergraduate science education and research, which has been especially demonstrated by his involvement with the Council on Undergraduate Research, Project Kaleidoscope, the American Society for Cell Biology, and, most recently, the Partnership for Undergraduate Life Science Education. Reiness has also previously been a principal investigator on grants from various organizations to Lewis & Clark for general improvement of education.

“Considerable research has shown that students learn science best by wrestling intellectually with real scientific questions and by having authentic research experiences both in their classes and in collaboration with their faculty,” says Reiness. “I am fortunate to have been a leader in a number of national organizations that work to inform faculty about, and persuade them to adopt, the most effective educational practices.”

Says Reiness, “One of the joys of my career has been working with my Lewis & Clark colleagues in biology and the other sciences who have long been leaders in bringing the best practices for teaching science to our students.”

In 2013, 388 members were awarded fellowships by the AAAS because of their scientifically or socially distinguished efforts to advance science or its applications. —Katrina Staaf cas ’16 contributed to this story.