Two prominent UC Santa Barbara professors have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, as has a leading stem cell researcher who is an adjunct professor at UCSB. They are among a total of 72 new members elected to the prestigious academy in recognition of their continuing achievements in original research.

Evelyn Hu, professor of electrical and computer engineering and of materials, and William Murdoch, professor of ecology, evolution, and marine biology, were among those elected. Their election brings to 29 the number of active UCSB faculty members elected to the academy.

Among other new members elected to the academy was James Thomson, a renowned University of Wisconsin stem cell researcher who also holds an appointment at UCSB as adjunct professor of molecular, cellular, and developmental biology.

“We are thrilled by this prestigious honor for Professor Evelyn Hu, Professor Bill Murdoch, and Adjunct Professor Jamie Thomson,” said Chancellor Henry T. Yang. “These scholars are leaders on our campus and an inspiration to faculty and students alike. Election to the National Academy of Sciences by one’s peers is a significant affirmation of the hard work and creativity that have gone into years of cutting-edge research.“

Evelyn Hu joined the UCSB faculty in 1984 and today serves as scientific director of the California NanoSystems Institute, a joint effort between UCSB and UCLA. Her research focuses on the formation of nanophotonic devices that may provide more energy-efficient lighting sources and may also facilitate new, faster computation and communications.

“Election to the NAS is a tremendous honor,” she said. “I feel so fortunate to have had the support of all my colleagues, my students and the organizations I have worked with. My election is a tribute to their support.”

William Murdoch, an internationally known ecologist, joined the UCSB faculty in 1965. Murdoch’s research has focused on population dynamics, and the factors affecting the abundance of individuals in populations.

“It is a great honor to be elected and I am delighted that my peers have recognized my research in such a wonderful way,” he said. “I have had the good fortune of having great colleagues at UCSB, which has made my research career all the more rewarding and enjoyable.”