Laboratory researchers Thomas J. Bowles and Richard L. Martin are new 2007 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The AAAS is the world’s largest general scientific society, and publisher of the journal, Science.
Currently serving as the science adviser to the New Mexico Governor’s Office, Bowles is former Laboratory chief science officer. Martin works in Theoretical Chemistry and Molecular Physics (T-12).
Bowles was awarded this honor because of his major contributions to the field of neutrino physics and for leadership in promoting science and developing science initiatives with federal, state, and private organizations. His neutrino work at Los Alamos began in the 1980s with a tritium beta decay experiment that showed electron-type neutrinos did not have enough mass to explain the universe’s “missing mass,” and continued at the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory in Canada. More recently Bowles was instrumental in a project to create and trap ultra-cold neutrons and measure their basic properties. He also is an affiliate professor at the University of Washington.
Martin was named fellow for his distinguished contributions to the electronic structure theory of molecules and solids. His current research focuses on areas related to energy security. These include computations addressing the mechanism of the catalytic production of hydrogen and oxygen from sunlight and water, the science of efficient next generation lighting sources such as organic light emitting diodes, and theoretical studies of bonding and strong correlations in actinide molecules and solids.
"This recognition of two distinguished researchers evidences the scientific excellence and technical prowess of Los Alamos at a national level," said Laboratory Director Michael Anastasio. "It is another addition to a remarkable history of producing great science in the interest of national security."
The tradition of AAAS Fellows began in 1874. This year, AAAS named a total of 471 Fellows, who will be recognized for their contributions to science at the Fellows Forum scheduled for February 16, 2008, during the AAAS annual meeting in Boston. The announcement will be published today in the “News & Notes” section of Science.
AAAS members can be considered for the rank of Fellow if nominated by the Steering Group of their respective sections, by three Fellows or by the association's chief executive officer. Each Steering Group then reviews the nominations of individuals within its respective section and forwards a final list to the AAAS Council.
The AAAS Council votes on the final aggregate list. The Council is the policymaking body of the association, and is chaired by the President. The Council consists of members of the Board of Directors, the retiring section chairs, delegates from each electorate and each regional division and two delegates from the National Academy of Science.
