Introducing Pitt’s newest American Association for the Advancement of Science fellows

Two University of Pittsburgh faculty members have been elected 2025 fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world's largest general scientific society.

Jill E. Millstone, professor in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences' Department of Chemistry, and Ora A. Weisz, professor of medicine and cell biology in the School of Medicine, join nearly 500 scientists, engineers and innovators in the Class of 2025 recognized for their scientifically and socially distinguished achievements.

A tradition dating back to 1874, election as an AAAS fellow is a lifetime honor. Distinguished past honorees include W.E.B. DuBois, Ellen Ochoa, Steven Chu, Grace Hopper and Mae Jemison. Millstone and Weisz join more than 200 Pitt faculty who have received the honor.

Jill E. Millstone

Millstone was recognized for her contributions to inorganic and materials chemistry, particularly developing chemical methods to better understand the formation and properties of mixed metal nanomaterials. The leader of a research group that designs and synthesizes nanoparticles with tailored optical, electronic and structural properties, her work focuses on controlling how nanoscale materials are built and behave, enabling advances in areas such as energy, sensing and electronics.

"Jill Millstone's scientific career is driven by a deep belief that discovery thrives at the intersection of curiosity, persistence and collaboration. Central to her work is the human side of science: Jill views research as a collective endeavor, measuring success not only in breakthroughs - of which she's had many - but in the growth of students who learn to pair rigor with creativity and teamwork," said Adam Leibovich, Bettye J. and Ralph E. Bailey Dean of the Dietrich School and the College of General Studies. "Jill's contributions to her department, the Dietrich School, the University and her field are shaping the future and setting a new standard of excellence. I'm extraordinarily proud of her well-deserved recognition by AAAS."

Millstone's lab bridges fundamental chemistry and real-world applications, helping researchers better understand how structure influences function at the nanoscale. She has received several honors, including Pitt's Chancellor's Distinguished Research Award, a Kavli Emerging Leader in Chemistry Award and a National Science Foundation CAREER Award.

Ora A. Weisz

Weisz was honored for her contributions to cell biology, particularly research on endocytosis and its role in kidney function and disease. Her research into how cells in the kidney's proximal tubule regulate protein uptake and maintain proper function has advanced understanding of kidney health and disease, particularly how cellular transport processes affect organ function.

"This appointment comes as no surprise, as the AAAS reserves this honor for those who advance both science and service at the highest levels," says Anantha Shekhar, senior vice chancellor for the health sciences and John and Gertrude Petersen Dean, School of Medicine. "Alongside her own distinguished record of scientific discovery, Dr. Weisz has demonstrated exceptional leadership across the School of Medicine and Pitt Health Sciences, championing the personal, professional and scientific growth of our junior faculty - a collective body of work sure to resonate for decades."

She also serves as associate director of the Pittsburgh Center for Kidney Research and holds leadership roles as assistant vice chancellor for faculty excellence and associate dean for faculty development in the School of Medicine, where she directs the Junior Faculty Scholar Awards program. She has received a School of Medicine Distinguished Mentor Award and a Postdoctoral Association Advocate Award from the University.