Joe Lutkenhaus, a faculty member at KU Medical Center since 1981, is one of 84 new members and 21 associates from 15 countries who were recognized for their original research. He is known as one of the country’s leading bacterial cell researchers.
“I was obviously pleasantly surprised and perhaps a bit in shock considering how prestigious the academy is,” Lutkenhaus said. “Being a member of the academy had never been a goal of mine, but I am obviously thrilled.”
In 2012, Lutkenhaus was named one of three winners of Columbia University’s Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize in recognition of his work to understand the three-dimensional organization of bacterial cells.
The National Academy of Science was founded in 1863 by an Act of Congress and is charged with developing independent advice for the nation on scientific matters. Scientists are elected to serve the academy by their peers based on the quality of their research. The Academy’s scientists are active contributors to the international scientific community.