Genetics, modularity, mutation rate, horizontal gene transfer. Dr. Deem's specialty is statistical mechanics, specifically the computer simulation of complex molecular systems. He works in the areas of evolution, immunology, and materials. Dr. Deem has developed methods to quantify vaccine effectiveness and antigenic distance for influenza, methods to sculpt the immune system to mitigate immunodominance in dengue fever, a physical theory of the competition that allows HIV to escape from the immune system, and the first exact solution of a mathematical model of evolution that accounts for cross-species genetic exchange. Dr. Deem's recent study, published in the December 2007 'Physical Review Letters', found that genetic modularity arises spontaneously because of the selective pressure of a changing environment and the existence of horizontal gene transfer.

Research Corporation, science education, Large Synoptic Survey Telescope. Dr. James M. Gentile is president of Research Corporation, America's second-oldest foundation and a major proponent of the advancement of science. He is a leader in the field of science education and a frequent speaker on issues involving the integration of scientific research and higher education. Dr. Gentile is a national associate of the National Research Council, where he played a leadership role in the highly praised NRC publication 'Biology 2010 - Transforming Undergraduate Education for Research Biologists'. He is the author of more than 100 research articles, book chapters, book reviews and special reports in areas of scientific research and higher education.

Nanotechnology, x-ray microscopy, solar energy, nanophotonics, nanoscopic battery. Dr. Eric Isaacs has been a developer of modern synchrotron-based x-ray scattering techniques including inelastic x-ray scattering and a hard x-ray nano-probe. Research interests include novel electronic and magnetic materials with a particular focus on creating images of new phenomena in reciprocal and real space at the nanoscale.

Genomic medicine, genetic counseling, PTEN, breast cancer research. Dr. Charis Eng's research interests may be broadly characterized as clinical cancer genetics translational research. Dr. Eng has published over 230 peer-reviewed original papers in such journals as the New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet, and Nature. She is a Fellow of AAAS and recipient of the Doris Duke Distinguished Clinical Scientist Award. Dr. Eng will serve a four-year term on the Board of Scientific Directors of the National Human Genome Research Institute beginning in Fall 2007.

American Chemical Society, science education, renewable energy, nanotechnology. Dr. Catherine Hunt is a Leader of Technology Partnerships - Emerging Technologies - for Rohm and Haas and her background is in catalysis and inorganic chemistry. In her 23 years in industry, Dr. Hunt has applied her background in these two areas across a broad range of electronics, materials, catalysis, hydrogen, coatings and health care. An ACS member since 1977, Dr. Hunt has been involved in numerous Society activities, including the Divisions of Analytical Chemistry, Industrial and Engineering Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry.

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