NYU Arts & Science is proud to announce that faculty members Alec Marantz and Marcus Weck have been named lifetime AAAS Fellows. This prestigious scientific honor is awarded to academics and researchers across 24 scientific disciplines for innovative contributions to their fields.
Dr. Alec Marantz is a Professor of Linguistics and Psychology at NYU Arts and Science, joining the faculty in 2006 and serving as Chair of the Linguistics department from 2007 through 2013. Dr. Marantz's research focuses on morphology, syntax, and neurolinguistics, which he performs at NYU's Neuroscience of Language Lab (NeLLab). His research analyzes brain activity related to word structure, natural language, and communicative processes and he often collaborates with NYU Abu Dhabi; broadening the field by exploring this research among non-English speakers. Dr. Marantz also co-founded the theory of "distributed morphology" and leads the NYU Morphology Lab (‘MorphLab’), which examines the theoretical and neurocognitive aspects of language processing. In 2016, NYU recognized Dr. Marantz's accomplished work and commitment to his students by naming him a Silver Professor, which is the most prestigious professorship at NYU.
Professor of Chemistry Dr. Marcus Weck was also named an AAAS Fellow this year, recognizing his innovative research in the fields of organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and materials science. The appointment as AAAS Fellow is the next in a number of prestigious fellowships and awards that Dr. Weck has won over his esteemed career, including the NSF Career Award in 2003 and being named a Fellow of the Polymer Division of the American Chemical Society in 2013. Dr. Weck is also the leader of the Weck Research Group, where the main focus of research is "to create polymers for the next generation of materials applications," including pharmaceutical, chemical, and biological applications.
As an organization, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is dedicated to advancing science by supporting opportunities for collaboration and membership, publishing scientific journals and academic periodicals, and awarding the most influential members with coveted awards. Becoming a lifetime AAAS Fellow is one of the most notable among these honors. Dr. Marantz and Dr. Weck join an elite community of AAAS Fellows among the Arts & Science faculty, including last year's recipients Michael Hout and Mark Tuckerman.