Ligler awarded distinction of Fellow by AAAS

Dr. Frances Ligler, Lampe Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering at North Carolina State University, has been awarded the distinction of Fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

AAAS elevates members to the rank of Fellow for their efforts toward advancing science applications that are deemed scientifically or socially distinguished. Ligler was recognized for creating biosensor systems and fostering careers in interdisciplinary science and engineering.

A leader in the area of biosensors and microdevices, Ligler has more than 350 full-length publications and patents — a body of work that has been cited more than 8,500 times. In addition, her research efforts have led to 11 commercial biosensor products. Prior to her arrival at NC State in fall 2013, Ligler spent 28 years at the US Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC, as Senior Scientist for Biosensors and Biomaterials.

A member of the National Academy of Engineering, Ligler has received many awards during her career, including being named Fellow of the Society for Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. In 2003, she was awarded the Homeland Security Award (Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Field) by the Christopher Columbus Foundation. She was recognized with the Presidential Rank Award of Distinguished Senior Professional the same year and, in 2012, she received the Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Senior Professional.

Ligler earned a BS in biology-chemistry from Furman University in 1972. She received a D.Phil. in biochemistry in 1977 and a D.Sc. in 2000, both from Oxford University.

Founded in 1848, AAAS includes 261 affiliated societies and academies of science serving 10 million people. AAAS is the publisher of the journal Science, among other publications, and began awarding the distinction of Fellow in 1874.