Peter Doran and Bret Elderd of the LSU College of Science, along with Lucio Miele, Director of the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, have been named Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), according to a March 26 announcement. This lifetime honor recognizes their significant achievements in research, teaching, technology, administration, and efforts to communicate science to the public.
The recognition places these faculty members among a distinguished group that spans disciplines across science. Being named an AAAS Fellow is considered one of the highest honors in American scientific circles.
Peter Doran is a Professor of Geology and Geophysics at LSU. His work focuses on Earth’s polar regions—especially Antarctica—and what these environments reveal about climate history and even possibilities for life beyond Earth. Doran said: “I am deeply honored to be named a Fellow of the AAAS. As an organization committed to the broad promotion of science across all disciplines, it feels particularly meaningful to be recognized by a body that sees the full picture. Much of my career has been built on research that crosses boundaries between fields and does not always fit neatly within any single discipline’s awards, so this recognition means a great deal. The AAAS commitment to science communication also resonates with me personally.”
Bret Elderd serves as Dr. Ronald and Denise Alvarez Professor of Biological Sciences at LSU. His research examines disease outbreaks through field experiments and mathematical modeling—studying how factors like plant chemicals or temperature shifts affect disease spread among insects such as butterflies and moths. Elderd said: “I am truly honored (and thrilled) to be joining such an illustrious group of individuals whose contributions to science are monumental and innumerable.”
Lucio Miele leads both cancer research efforts at LSU Health New Orleans and collaborative national programs focused on precision oncology using bioinformatics tools. He has contributed significantly to understanding Notch signaling in cancer biology as well as clinical trial leadership roles nationwide. Miele said: “I am deeply honored to be named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. This recognition reflects not only my own work, but the extraordinary colleagues, collaborators, and trainees who have contributed to advancing cancer experimental therapeutics and precision medicine… I am grateful to be part of a scientific community committed to translating discovery into meaningful impact for patients.”
These appointments add Doran, Elderd, and Miele’s names alongside previous LSU honorees recognized by AAAS since 1901.