Haddad among four MSU researchers named AAAS Fellows

In March 2025, W.K. Kellogg Biological Station faculty member Nick Haddad, along with Michigan State University colleagues Gemma Reguera, Laura McCabe and Michael Thoennessen, were recognized as 2024 fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, or AAAS.

AAAS—pronounced “triple-A-S —is the world’s largest general scientific society, which recognizes distinguished individuals as fellows for their contributions to science and society. The 2024 cohort includes more than 470 scientists, engineers and innovators. The four MSU fellows represent four colleges and were honored for their work in biological sciences, medical sciences and physics.

Haddad, Reguera, McCabe and Thoennessen join a distinguished list of more than 180 current and past Spartans who have been selected as fellows.

Nick Haddad

Nick Haddad is a professor of ecology at the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, or KBS, in MSU’s Department of Integrative Biology and the Ecology, Evolution and Behavior program, with appointments in the College of Natural Science and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Haddad was elected as a AAAS fellow for distinguished contributions to conservation science, particularly in protecting biodiversity. Haddad studies how to better protect Michigan’s wildlife and natural habitats, including strategies to preserve butterfly populations and maintain healthy ecosystems. His work focuses on habitat corridors that help animals thrive despite habitat loss and changes in land use.

He recently co-authored a study that raised the possibility of a country without butterflies.

“I am honored to be recognized by AAAS,” Haddad said. “I am grateful they recognized my efforts in long-term ecological research to understand effects of environmental change on biodiversity and on nature’s contributions to people.”

Academic and research excellence at MSU

“It is an honor to join AAAS in recognizing four outstanding MSU researchers who are changing lives and helping us confront global challenges,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “These faculty members represent our institutional values of excellence and service and, additionally, are helping prepare the next generation of knowledge leaders and innovators.” 

“This year’s class of fellows are the embodiment of scientific excellence and service to our communities,” said Sudip Parikh, AAAS chief executive officer and executive publisher of the Science family of journals. “At a time when the future of the scientific enterprise in the U.S. and around the world is uncertain, their work demonstrates the value of sustained investment in science and engineering.”

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