Jean Cook, PhD, a professor and chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the UNC School of Medicine, has been elected as an Honorary Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), according to an April 1 announcement. Cook is also a member of UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The recognition highlights Cook’s work on cancer development and research into the human cell cycle, which is vital for development, healing, and maintenance in the body. The AAAS Fellows program honors individuals whose contributions have advanced scientific knowledge or its practical applications for society.
Cook joins 448 other scientists, engineers, and innovators in the 2025 class of Fellows. Her laboratory uses cellular and molecular biology techniques along with genetics and biochemistry to study how cells divide and function. Understanding these processes is important because unregulated cell production can lead to cancer.
The research team manipulates cultured human cells using genetic and pharmacological methods to learn more about their functions. Through this work, they hope to inspire new therapies that encourage healthy cell regeneration or treat cancer more effectively.
Cook will be honored at a ceremonial Fellows Forum in Washington, D.C., on May 29, where she will receive a certificate and blue-and-gold rosette.
