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.
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.
