Three LSU Researchers Named 2025 AAAS Fellows, Joining One of Science’s Most Distinguished Communities
March 26, 2026
BATON ROUGE – LSU researchers have been named 2025 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), one of the highest honors in the global scientific community.
Peter Doran and Bret Elderd of the LSU College of Science, along with Dr. Lucio Miele, Director of the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, join a distinguished group of scientists, engineers, and innovators recognized for their scientifically and socially impactful contributions to research, education, and the advancement of science.
AAAS Fellows are elected by their peers in recognition of extraordinary achievements across disciplines, including research, teaching, technology development, administration, and science communication.
Peter Doran, Professor of Geology and Geophysics and the John Franks Endowed Chair, is internationally recognized for his work in polar science. He was cited for distinguished synergistic contributions to four different modern disciplines (Earth climate change, Antarctic science, planetary geoscience, and astrobiology) in scientific research, education, dedicated international service, and public communication. Doran specializes in studying polar regions, especially Antarctic climate and ecosystems. His research in Antarctica’s McMurdo Dry Valleys explores extreme environments to understand better Earth’s climate history and the potential for life beyond our planet. “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,” said Doran.
Bret Elderd, the Dr. Ronald and Denise Alvarez Professor of Biological Sciences, is a quantitative ecologist whose work examines disease dynamics, host-pathogen interactions, and population ecology. He was cited for distinguished contributions to the field of population demography, particularly for advances in modeling disease transmission and population variability. His research combines field experiments with mathematical modeling to better understand and predict disease outbreaks. Elderd is also an active member of globally distributed research projects tracking plant demography and herbivory patterns. “I am truly honored and thrilled to be joining such an illustrious group of individuals whose contributions to science are monumental and innumerable,” said Elderd.
Dr. Lucio Miele, Director of the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center and Cancer Crusaders Professor of Genetics, Medicine, and Public Health at LSU Health New Orleans, was recognized for his distinguished contributions to cancer experimental therapeutics and precision medicine, particularly his work on Notch signaling in breast cancer and cancer immunity. At LSU Health New Orleans, Dr. Miele created the Precision Medicine Program and became the site PI for the Southern “All of Us” program. Under his leadership, the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center has expanded its cancer research capabilities, advancing efforts to bring cutting-edge cancer treatments to patients across Louisiana. “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 research and translating discovery into meaningful impact for patients, as well as the contribution of research participants who trusted my team over the years,,” said Miele.
With these new Fellows, LSU continues to build on a strong tradition of scientific excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration. Their election to AAAS reflects not only individual achievement, but the growing national and global impact of research across LSU’s campuses.
About the New LSU Flagship
LSU is Louisiana’s flagship research university, advancing the well-being of the state and the world through education, discovery, healthcare, extension, and community engagement. Today, the new LSU Flagship leverages the strengths of LSU in Baton Rouge, LSU Health New Orleans, LSU Health Shreveport, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, and the LSU AgCenter to form a powerful research engine. By aligning across campuses and disciplines, LSU educates and prepares future leaders, drives groundbreaking discoveries, extends knowledge, and advances health and well-being – expanding human potential for Louisiana and the world, today and for generations to come.
About the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center
The LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center is leading the fight against cancer in Louisiana through an integrated approach that unites innovative research, patient-centered clinical care, and the education of the next generation of cancer leaders. Our teams translate scientific discovery into real-world impact, expanding access to advanced treatments and improving outcomes for patients across the state and the Gulf South. As we advance toward National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation, we are building a cancer center defined not only by scientific excellence but by our commitment to delivering innovation, access, and hope to every community we serve.