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Biology’s Alejandro Acevedo-Gutierrez named an AAAS Fellow

Only the seventh faculty member in Western’s history to receive the honor

by Mikayla King

WWU Communications

Alejandro Acevedo-Gutierrez

WWU Professor of Biology and Science, Math and Technology Education (SMATE) Alejandro Acevedo-Gutiérrez has been named an American Association for the Advancement of Science honorary fellow and becomes the seventh faculty member in WWU history to receive the honor.  

Acevedo-Gutiérrez becomes the first in a decade to receive the award after former SMATE Director Edward Geary was honored in 2015 for his work in education. 

AAAS Fellows are recognized for their achievements across disciplines, from research and teaching to excellence in communicating science to the public. Becoming an AAAS fellow is a life-long distinction, and Acevedo-Gutiérrez joins the likes of Thomas Edison and W.E.B. DuBois with the title.  

"It is an honor that the work and effort in which I have gladly spent my career are recognized by peers,” Acevedo-Gutiérrez said. “Any one of my accomplishments reflects the strength of the numerous collaborations that I have been fortunate to establish with Western students, colleagues and with collaborators from diverse institutions and reflects the support of the Biology Department and the SMATE Program." 

Acevedo-Gutiérrez was recognized for his work in the biological sciences. His work focuses on marine mammals’ role in their environment and their interactions with humans. He has also worked within SMATE to study how to train and support K-6 science educators. 

“As a member of SMATE, Dr. Acevedo-Gutiérrez has been very active in teaching future teachers over the last 20+ years. He cares deeply about helping students build foundational science knowledge as well as skills for future teaching,” Director of SMATE Emily Borda said. “Alejandro puts equity and excellence at the center of all the work he does, and SMATE faculty and staff benefit from having him as a colleague. His selection as an AAAS Fellow is well-deserved.” 

Biology Department Chair Lynn Pillitteri said Acevedo-Gutierrez exemplifies the department’s mission to provide undergraduates with research lab experience and said his research program has had a huge impact on Western students. 

“His lab offers authentic research experiences to hundreds of students interested in marine science,” she said. “Students in his lab gain a better understanding the role of seals and sea lions in our local waterways and get experience and training to help them in their careers after WWU.”  

Learn more about the work being done in Acevedo-Guitérrez’s lab by visiting the Marine Mammal Ecology Lab website.  

Mikayla King (‘17) covers the College of Science and Engineering and Woodring College of Education for University Communications. Reach out to her with story ideas at kingm24@wwu.edu.