UA News

Five UA faculty members have recieved one of the highest honors given by the College of Science for their work in everything from psychology to planetary sciences.

Five faculty members of the University of Arizona College of Science have been named 2010 Galileo Circle Fellows, one of the highest honors bestowed upon faculty in the college.

The awards, established through the generosity of Galileo Circle members, recognize outstanding accomplishments in academic scholarship. Each fellow receives $5,000 and lifetime membership in the Galileo Circle, a society of individuals who support the UA College of Science and activities that nurture the future of science.

"Contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge is an arduous experience, so the appreciation of my contributions in the form of this honor is truly very gratifying to me, particularly in light of the truly outstanding group of scientists who have also been named Galileo Circle Fellows, and the great work the Gallileo Circle Fellows and Scholars Program does in promoting and disseminating scientific knowledge," said Jeff Greenberg, professor of psychology and one of this year's honorees.

Galileo Circle Fellows are the epitome of the academic scholar, with a deep understanding over a broad range of science, a willingness to think in a truly interdisciplinary way, and an ability to inspire colleagues and students alike, according to nomination criteria.

“The College of Science is blessed with incredible faculty who are educating our students and increasing our understanding of human behavior, our world and our universe,” said Joaquin Ruiz, dean of the College of Science.

2010 GALILEO CIRCLE FELLOWS

Peter G. DeCelles
Professor of Geosciences
Using structural geology and geological mapping, DeCelles focuses his research on the origins of the world’s major mountain ranges and the evolution of their associated sedimentary basins. His impressive body of work has earned him recognition by the Geological Society of America for lifetime achievement as a sedimentary geologist. Besides teaching a range of undergraduate and graduate geosciences courses, DeCelles regularly leads popular summer field courses to remote areas of Nevada and southern Utah to engage students in integrative approaches to field geology.

Jeff Greenberg
Professor of Psychology
Greenberg’s theoretical and empirical work focuses on why people strive for meaning and significance in their lives and how they go about doing so. His research has clarified the psychological functions of self-esteem and cultural belief systems and revealed factors that contribute to prejudice, intergroup conflict and psychological disorders such as depression. He has a consistent record of grant support and has authored or co-authored more than 200 publications. His highly productive academic career has been described as inspirational, and his contributions have produced fundamental paradigm shifts in the field of social psychology and resulted in a Presidential Citation from the American Psychological Association.

Renu Malhotra
Professor of Planetary Sciences/Lunar and Planetary Lab
Malhotra’s research is directed towards understanding planetary systems. Her research topics include the Kuiper Belt, the bombardment history of the planets, the formation and evolution of our solar system and other planetary systems, and the astronomical conditions for habitable planets. One of her earliest theories explained Pluto’s peculiar orbit – something that had puzzled scientists since the planet’s discovery. The idea of planet migration introduced in that work is now widely accepted in solar system studies. In 2001, Malhotra and her collaborators discovered what is now recognized as the edge of the primordial solar system. Malhotra also makes time to share her passion for science through numerous public outreach activities.

Michael W. Nachman
Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Nachman’s research addresses fundamental questions in evolutionary genomics and population genetics. Nachman and members of his laboratory have made major contributions to understanding the forces that shape genetic variation in natural populations, the genetic basis of evolution, and the genetic basis for the origin of new species. He is well-known for his work measuring the human mutation rate. Nachman is regarded as a gifted scholar and teacher, and he also directs the National Science Foundation Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeships Program in Genomics with a goal of preparing the next generation of biologists to take on the challenges of genome-scale research.

Shlomo P. Neuman
Regents’ Professor of Hydrology and Water Resources
Neuman is one of the world’s leading groundwater hydrologists. He has received numerous honors and distinctions for his contributions in the area of subsurface water flow and contaminant transport. Neuman is in high demand nationally and internationally as an engineering and environmental consultant, holds honorary professorships at two leading Chinese academic and research institutions, and is regularly sought after as an invited lecturer and research collaborator. He is cited as the reason for the UA doctoral program in hydrogeology’s continued No.1 national ranking in U.S. News & World Report.