PNNL scientist elected AAAS fellow

(Press-News.org) RICHLAND, Wash.—Chemist Zheming Wang, whose research largely focuses on the chemistry underlying radioactive and advanced energy materials, as well as critical elements, has been elected as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science—the highest honor the society bestows. AAAS is the world's largest multidisciplinary scientific society with a mission to “advance science, engineering, and innovation throughout the world for the benefit of all people.” 

AAAS notes that Fellows are celebrated for contributions that span many domains, from research and teaching to academia and industry. Examples of scientific efforts from the newest Fellows include important discoveries and developments made in exploring the origin of water on Earth, “organ-on-a-chip” engineering, and identifying the core “gears” of the body’s circadian clock and their relation to sleep and neurodegenerative disease. 

Wang’s lifetime designation stems partly from his contributions in studying the chemical nature of “f block” elements: those elements found in the bottom two rows of the periodic table. These elements are unique—some are magnetic, others can emit colorful light and many are radioactive. 

Many are also present in radioactive waste, such as those stored at Department of Energy sites like Hanford and Savannah River. Because their chemical nature can offer clues as to how such waste may react in or move through contaminated soils, research surrounding these elements can help answer important questions related to safety, security and the environment. 

Over his 30-year career at DOE’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Wang has come to specialize in the use of advanced laser spectroscopy techniques. Laser-based instruments are among our most sensitive, said Wang. Sensitivity is key in that scientists like Wang must detect extremely faint changes in light and vibration to glean details about the molecular interactions of materials at the heart of numerous national interests, like critical elements (many of which are f block elements) and advanced energy materials. 

Wang has led and participated in many research projects funded by DOE and other federal agencies. Currently, he is a key contributor to two multi-institutional research efforts: DOE’s Geosciences program at PNNL and IDREAM, an Energy Frontier Research Center charged with “exploring complex chemical phenomena to enable innovations in retrieving and processing highly radioactive waste and resolving knowledge gaps that have perplexed industrial aluminum process chemists for more than a century,” as well as several projects aimed at critical element extraction.

“I’m humbled by this announcement,” said Wang, “I consider it a recognition not just for me but also for my past and present team members. I’m grateful to my colleagues, both for the nomination and for the close scientific collaborations we’ve had together over the decades.” 

Wang has published nearly 200 peer-reviewed scientific papers. He has also taken a strong interest in shepherding the next generation of scientists, having advised several graduate students through Washington State University where he held a joint appointment. He has also hosted and supervised dozens of graduate and undergraduate students, as well as Richland School District high school students, through scientific internship programs. 

“We’re thrilled to have Zheming recognized for his many scientific achievements,” said Battelle Fellow and chemist Kevin Rosso. “His work has helped to spur so many insights and, with every chance he gets, he invests right back into the scientific community.” 

Wang will be recognized for his achievements at a forum in Washington, D.C. on June 7, 2025. Last year marked the 150th anniversary of the AAAS Fellows program. He joins the ranks of astronaut Mae Jemison; Steven Chu, 1997 Nobel laureate in physics who served as the 12th U.S. Secretary of Energy; and Grace Hopper, pioneer in computer software development and programming languages. 

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