Scholars of Distinction

UC Santa Cruz is home to world-class faculty and some of the nation’s finest researchers across several disciplines. Here we celebrate their academic achievements.

American Academy of Arts and Sciences

The Academy is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honorary societies founded in 1780.

Beth Shapiro
Professor of ecology & evolutionary biology (2023)

Barbara Rogoff
Distinguished professor of psychology (2021)

Angela Davis
Distinguished professor emerita history of consciousness feminist studies (2021)

Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz
Professor of astronomy and astrophysics (2020)

James Estes
Professor emeritus of ecology & evolutionary biology (2021)

National Academy of Sciences

Established by an Act of Congress, signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, the NAS is charged with providing independent, objective advice to the nation on matters related to science and technology.

Emily Brodsky
Professor of earth and planetary sciences (2023)

Carrie Partch
Professor of chemistry & biochemistry (2020)

Francis Nimmo
Professor of earth & planetary sciences (2020)

American Astronomical Society Fellows

Established in 1899, the AAS is the major organization of professional astronomers in North America. Its mission is to enhance and share humanity’s scientific understanding of the universe. For more information, see the AAS Fellows page.

Natalie Batalha
Professor of astronomy and astrophysics (2020)

Sandra Faber
Professor emerita of astronomy and astrophysics (2020)

Douglas Lin
Professor emerita of astronomy and astrophysics (2020)

Claire Max
Director of Observatories (2020)

Stan Woosley
Professor emerita of astronomy and astrophysics (2020)

American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellows

The AAAS is an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing science around the world by serving as an educator, leader, spokesperson and professional association. Visit this page to view the full list of UCSC fellows.