Dr. Moriah Beck, Talaty Endowed Research Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Wichita State University, has been elected a 2025 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), one of the world’s largest and most prestigious scientific societies. 

Election as an AAAS Fellow is a lifetime honor that recognizes distinguished efforts to advance science or its applications. Fellows are chosen by their peers for scientifically or socially distinguished achievements and are expected to uphold the highest standards of professional ethics and scientific integrity. 

“Being named an AAAS Fellow is truly a profound honor,” Beck said. “It’s humbling to be included among a community of scientists I deeply admire, including recent Nobel Prize winners whose work has had such transformative impact.” 

Beck said the recognition reflects not only her work, but also the broader community that has shaped her career: In a letter announcing her election, the AAAS wrote: “You are being honored: For advancing our understanding of the cellular mechanisms of actin filament organization in eukaryotic cells, and for tireless efforts in public and community outreach.” 

“One of the most rewarding aspects has been seeing the pride and excitement of the students I’ve had the privilege to mentor. Their growth and achievements are as important to me as my own,” she said. “This honor also reflects the guidance and support of my own mentors. It feels less like an individual accolade and more like a shared milestone with the many people who have been part of my journey.” 

Her perspective underscores the collaborative and community-driven nature of scientific achievement, a quality also recognized by her colleagues at Wichita State. 

“I am delighted, but certainly not surprised, that Dr. Beck has been named an AAAS Fellow, one of the nation’s highest honors in science,” said Dr. Sarah Beth Estes, dean of Wichita State’s Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “Her impact extends far beyond her own exceptional research, as she is a tireless advocate for undergraduate education, an inspiring mentor who helps undergraduate and graduate students recognize their potential as scientists, and a fierce champion for public engagement in science education.  

This year, Beck was also honored with the Wichita State University Excellence in Research Award, “reflecting the same deep respect and admiration from her campus colleagues that she has earned through the national scientific community,” Estes said.  

Beck joins a distinguished group of AAAS Fellows throughout Wichita State’s history, underscoring the university’s strength in research and scientific leadership.  

Fairmount College (1895–1926) 

• 1921: George Talbert, professor of biology

Municipal University of Wichita (1926–1965)

• 1928: Clinton McDonald, professor of botany
• 1931: Dr. Hiran Ayres, professor of physics
• 1933: Dr. Hazel Branch, professor of biology and zoology
• 1962: Dr. J. Berg, professor of geology and geography and former department chair
• 1962: Dr. Paul Tasch, professor of geology
• 1963: Dr. Henry Pronko, professor of psychology

Wichita State University (1965–present) 

• 1966: Dr. Charles Buess, professor of chemistry 
• 2010: Dr. Coleen Pugh, dean of Wichita State's graduate school 
• 2016: Dr. Susan Sterrett, Curtis D. Gridley Distinguished Professor of History and Philosophy of Science 
• 2024: Dr. Mary Jameson, professor of biological sciences 
• 2025: Dr. Moriah Beck, Talaty Endowed Research Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry 

The American Association for the Advancement of Science is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing science, engineering and innovation for the benefit of all people. Founded in 1848, AAAS publishes Science journal and leads initiatives that promote scientific collaboration, education and public engagement. 

AAAS Fellows have historically included some of the most influential scientists and thinkers, such as Thomas Edison, W.E.B. Du Bois, Maria Mitchell, Dr. Steven Chu and Dr. Ellen Ochoa. 

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Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 25,000 students between its main campus and the WSU Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech), including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student-centered and innovation-driven.

Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students. The National Science Foundation ranked WSU No. 1 in the nation for aerospace engineering R&D, No. 2 for industry- and defense-funded engineering R&D and No. 9 overall for engineering R&D.

The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.

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