By Eric Stann
March 27, 2025
Contact: Janese Heavin, heavinj@missouri.edu
University of Missouri researchers are constantly pushing the boundaries of science to drive breakthroughs that transform lives. Their relentless curiosity fuels discoveries that shape the future of Missouri and beyond.
Today, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) recognized four Mizzou researchers as 2024 fellows for their distinguished efforts in advancing various fields of science.
The recipients are:
- Donald Burke-Agüero – a professor of biochemistry and molecular microbiology and immunology in the School of Medicine and a principal investigator at the Bond Life Sciences Center
- Felix Fritschi – the C. Alice Donaldson Professor in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and interim director of the Missouri Soybean Center
- Scott H. Holan – a professor and chair of the Department of Statistics in the College of Arts and Science
- Richard Sherwood – a professor of pathology and anatomical sciences and director of the Craniofacial Research Center at the School of Medicine
AAAS is the world’s largest general scientific society and publisher of the journal Science. Founded in 1848, the nonprofit fulfills its mission to advance science and service society through initiatives in science policy, international programs, science education and public engagement.
Donald Burke-Agüero
Burke-Agüero is being recognized for his distinguished contributions to the development of RNA aptamers to investigate viral and cancer biology and as therapeutic agents, as well as for his research on the RNA world hypothesis.
Burke-Agüero studies the many roles of RNA, which does more than just help copy genetic information. He uses biology, chemistry and computer tools to find RNA molecules that could help guide stem cell growth or create metabolism. His work has also led to RNA-based tools that help scientists understand how life may have first evolved.
“I have always loved exploring the edges of what is possible,” Burke-Agüero said. “This recognition motivates me to continue to innovate and engineer biomolecules that enable new biologies and new biomedicines. In my 20 years at Mizzou, it has been especially exciting to work on interdisciplinary projects with colleagues from many different colleges and departments.”
Felix Fritschi
Fritschi is being recognized for his distinguished contributions to crop physiology, particularly in advancing our understanding of how crops adapt to their environment and use light, water and nutrients efficiently.
Fritschi’s work aims to protect crop productivity in a changing climate. He studies how plants cope with environmental stresses such as heat and drought and uses genetics and plant biology to improve crop resilience.
“It’s an honor to be nominated by my peers and to be recognized as an AAAS Fellow,” Fritschi said. “It has been a privilege to work with so many talented and dedicated collaborators at Mizzou and beyond. I’m so thankful for the hard work of current and former lab members and their dedication to developing more stress resilient crops. I’m excited to continue our quest to improve the crops that feed the world.”
Scott H. Holan
Holan is being recognized for his distinguished contributions to the field of statistics, including Bayesian inference, spatio-temporal hierarchical methods, functional methods, time series and survey methodology, as well as his exemplary public service through collaborations with statistical agencies.
Holan studies ways to analyze complex data patterns over space and time using statistics and machine learning. His work helps improve government data, economic predictions and environmental research. He develops new methods to make data analysis more accurate and useful in real-world applications.
“I have been at Mizzou for over 20 years, spending my entire career here thus far,” Holan said. “During this time, I have felt supported by my colleagues, department and college to pursue innovative research at the intersection of spatio-temporal modeling and official statistics. Mizzou has also provided me access to great collaborators working on interesting scientific problems and a strong research infrastructure.”
Richard Sherwood
Sherwood is being recognized for his distinguished contributions to human craniofacial biology, particularly in quantitative genetics and craniofacial growth patterns.
Sherwood studies the growth and development of the human face and skull. His research aims to create models that help doctors determine the optimal timing for treatments. He leads the Craniofacial Growth Consortium Study, the world’s largest longitudinal study on normal craniofacial growth, focused on developing novel growth prediction methods for the human craniofacial complex.
“My career has spanned a wide array of topics from the social sciences to biomedical research,” Sherwood said. “Since arriving at Mizzou nine years ago, I have been able to leverage my diverse experiences into building a broad research and training program, including establishing the Craniofacial Research Center. I received a warm welcome upon my arrival and rapidly became involved in many research projects across multiple disciplines. I am particularly proud of my work helping young faculty learn to navigate the academic landscape and secure funding as they build their career.”
