Hope Center member Eugene M. Johnson, Jr., Ph.D., has been named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world's largest general scientific society. The highest honor awarded by AAAS, the rank of fellow is bestowed upon members by their peers in recognition of scientifically or socially distinguished efforts to advance science or its applications.

Dr. Johnson, professor of neurology and of molecular biology and pharmacology at the School of Medicine, was elected to the Section on Neuroscience for pioneering work in studies of the nature and function of neurotrophic factors and for service to the neuroscience community. Johnson was cited for distinguished contributions to the identification and characterization of neurotrophic factors, factors that nourish and maintain nervous system cells and could provide new avenues for treatment of a range of neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Johnson is a member of the Hope Center Steering and Executive Committees.