Two Duke profs named to National Academy of Sciences

Duke scientists are two of the 72 scholars newly elected to the National Academy of Sciences, the Academy announced Tuesday.

Joining 18 current Duke faculty as members of the society are Philip Benfey, Paul Kramer professor of biology and director of the Center for Systems Biology in the Duke Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy, and Vann Bennett, James B. Duke professor of cell biology, biochemistry and neurobiology at Duke University Medical Center and Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator. A private organization founded in 1863, the Academy is one of the most prestigious science-furthering bodies in the nation.  This year’s inductees bring its active membership total to 2,097 scientists and engineers. Benfey and Bennett will be officially inducted into the Academy during its annual meeting in Washington, D.C. next April.

Benfey arrived at Duke in 2002 after securing the biology chair position. He holds a Ph.D. in cell and developmental biology from Harvard University. Benfey’s work focuses on determining how plant cells process information and understanding the mechanisms that dictate a cell’s function.

“[The election to the Academy] recognizes Phil’s role as a pioneer scientist in plant development,” Dan Kiehart, current biology department chair, said in a news release. “He has been a real catalyst in bringing systems biology to Duke.”

Bennett studies ankyrins—the structural proteins interspersed throughout cell membranes that play gatekeeper roles for human cells. He received his M.D. and Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.   

“This research has taken him from analysis of protein structure and function, through cell biology, to critical physiological processes. He is a tremendous role model for how unwavering fealty to rigorous molecular analysis can yield deep insights into the genetic underpinning of human disease,” Brigid Hogan, chair of the Duke department of cell biology, said in a press release.