Meet The 2012 MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Scientists
A parasite-fighting neurobiologist, a pediatric neurosurgeon, two Brilliant 10 winners, and other scientists awarded a 2012 MacArthur Fellowship.
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 22: Dr. Elissa Hallem works in her office at the University of California, Los Angeles, in the Westwood neighborhood on Saturday afternoon, September 22nd, 2012 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Stephanie Diani for Home Front Communications). Photographer: Stephanie Diani
Every year, the MacArthur Foundation makes an investment–a $500,000 investment–in the future by handing out bags of money to people whose work shows promise. Of course that includes scientists doing world-changing research. The 2012 fellows were just announced, and here they are. Two of the winners have also been named one of PopSci‘s Brilliant 10: Maria Chudnovsky and Melody Swartz.
- Mathematician Maria Chudnovsky: Studies graph theory and its relationship to other branches of mathematics.
- Geriatrician Eric Coleman: Works to improve patient transitions between sources of care, like hospitals and homes.
- Optical Physicist and Astronomer Olivier Guyon: Designs astronomical instruments to be used in the hunt for Earth-like planets.
- Neurobiologist Elissa Hallem: Studies odor detection and chemoreception in invertebrates, which may help fight parasites.
- Medical Microbiologist Sarkis Mazmanian: Examines diseases through the relationship between microbes and hosts.
- Geochemist Terry Plank: Looks at the collisions between Earth’s tectonic plates, and other phenomena below the surface.
- Marine Ecologist Nancy Rabalais: Works to stop the low-oxygen “dead zones” of the ocean.
- Computer Scientist Daniel Spielman: Connects theoretical computer science with real-world applications.
- Bioengineer Melody Swartz: Improves health by studying the flow of fluids in tissue.
- Pediatric Neurosurgeon Benjamin Warf: Saves children’s lives through better treatments for intracranial diseases.