Individuals elected to the status of Academy Fellow in 2023
Samina Ken Akbar – IAS Fellow
Associate Professor Microbiology and Immunology
College of Osteopathic Medicine
Marian University
- Member of the Academy since 2013
- Served as Judge at the Science & Engineering Fair
- Served on the Judging Team at the IAS Talent Search
- Chair, IAS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee
- Helped develop the strategic plan approved by the Council
- Currently helping to implementing the plan
- Contributed to the advancement of science in Indiana:
- 15 peer-reviewed scientific publications
- 13 scientific presentations and published abstracts
Ken Andrzejewski – IAS Fellow
Science Teacher
Marian High School
Mishawaka, Indiana
- Member of the Academy since 2013
- Member IAS Youth Activities Committee
- Prior to its disbandment, many of his students were active participants in the IAS Junior Academy of Science competitions
- Over 100 of his research students have participated in the IAS Talent Search
- Contributed to the advancement of science in Indiana:
- Teaches AP Biology & dual credit biology courses through Indiana University and Ivy Tech
Jocelyn R. Lewis – IAS Fellow
Indiana State Library
Catalog Division Supervisor
Indianapolis, Indiana
- Honorary member of the Academy since 2012
- She is the Academy’s librarian
- Specifically, her primary duties are overseeing maintenance of the John Shepard Wright Memorial Library (JSWML)
- Bulk of collection – journals received through exchange programs
- JSWML contains over 13,000 volumes; adds approximately 150 issues annually
- As librarian, she ensures the exchange program functions, i.e., sending issues of Proceedings to exchange partners
Marc Milne – IAS Fellow
Associate Professor of Biology
Biology Department
University of Indianapolis
- Member of the Academy since 2014
- Current IAS President (2022-23)
- Zoology/Entomology Section Chair
- Senior Research Grant Committee (2019-21)
- Budget Committee (2019-present)
- Biodiversity & Natural Areas Committee (2015+)
- Bioblitz events: frequent participant and team leader
- Contributed to the advancement of science in IN
- 35+ peer-reviewed scientific publications
- Presented/co-presented over 20 presentations at IAS
Luis A. Palacio – IAS Fellow
Executive Director and CEO
Diversity and Innovation Institute
Indianapolis, Indiana
- Member of the Academy since 2013
- Member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee
- Founding member to present
- Presenter: virtual discussion of career preparation
- Sponsored by DEI of the IAS
- Served as a judge at the Hoosier Science & Engineering Fair
- Executive Director & CEO of the Diversity and Innovation Institute
- Mission is to “unlock innovative potential through STEM Education for a diverse audience in an inclusive and equitable manner”
