DURHAM, N.C. – Junfeng “Jim” Zhang, professor of global and environmental health at 91’s Nicholas School of the Environment, has been named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Members of AAAS are elevated to the rank of Fellow in recognition of research and teaching that are deemed by their peers to be scientifically or socially distinguished. This year, 388 AAAS members were named Fellows.

Zhang, who joined the Nicholas School and the Duke Global Health Initiative faculties  earlier this year, was selected for the honor in recognition of his distinguished contributions to exposure science and public health. 

A prolific researcher with more than 140 peer-reviewed publications to his credit, he is widely cited for his work to develop new biomarkers of human exposure and health effects, assess the health and climate benefits of air pollution interventions, and shed new light on the biological mechanisms by which environmental exposures exert adverse health effects. He leads two multidisciplinary, multi-institutional centers studying the health impact of engineered nanomaterials.

In recognition of his work to characterize sources of non-methane greenhouse gases, Zhang was officially recognized as a contributor to the Nobel Peace Prize awarded in 2007 to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.  

William L. Chameides, dean of the Nicholas School, said, “This is a richly deserved honor. Over the course of his career, Jim has helped improve the health of millions of people worldwide. His achievements truly exemplify AAAS’ mission of advancing science and serving society.”  

Zhang and the other newly named Fellows will be recognized at a special ceremony during the AAAS Annual Meeting on February 15 in Chicago.