David Hibbett, a world-renowned mycologist and the Andrea B. and Peter D. Klein Distinguished Professor of Biology at Clark, has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Hibbett joins an esteemed group of more than 14,500 leaders in the arts and sciences, business, philanthropy, and public affairs who have been recognized for exceptional contributions in their fields and professions since the Academy’s founding in 1780 by John Adams, John Hancock, and 60 other scholar-patriots. Benjamin Franklin and George Washington were among the first 25 members elected in 1781.
“We celebrate the achievement of each new member and the collective breadth and depth of their excellence — this is a fitting commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary,” said Laurie Patton, president of the Academy based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
“The founding of the nation and the Academy are rooted in the inextricable links between a vibrant democracy, the free pursuit of knowledge, and the expansion of the public good,” Patton added.
“I feel humbled to be elected to the AAAS. I am also keenly aware that this recognition is not just about me,” Hibbett said. “Throughout my career, I have been supported by inspirational mentors and generous collaborators. I especially want to acknowledge all the post-docs and PhD students who have conducted research and mentored undergraduates in my lab. Without them, my work at Clark would have been impossible.”
Besides Hibbett, this year’s new members from across the U.S. and world — more than 250 — include Jack Dangermond, an environmental scientist, GIS technologist, and founder of Esri, a global leader in geographic science and geospatial analytics. Clark has had a longstanding relationship with Esri, and Dangermond received an honorary degree from the University in 2011.
Hibbett’s scholarship focuses on evolutionary biology of fungi, particularly mushroom-forming fungi. His research encompasses molecular systematics and evolution, comparative genomics, developmental biology, and paleomycology.
He is also interested in principles of biological classification, including rank-free taxonomy and DNA-based species description.
He has published over 150 research articles, has been highly cited, and has received funding from the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy.
“David’s election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences is a well‑deserved recognition of his sustained and impactful contributions to the study of fungal evolution and his leadership within the scientific community,” said Deborah Robertson, professor and chair of the Biology Department.
“At Clark, David has been a wonderful colleague and an inspiring mentor to numerous post-doctoral scholars, graduate students, and undergraduates,” Robertson said. “In addition, through public lectures, media engagement, and educational outreach, he has also helped bring broader public attention to the remarkable diversity and importance of fungi and mushrooms. It is wonderful to see his career recognized with this honor.”
In addition to his election to the Academy, Hibbett also has held fellowships with the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University. He also has been a fellow and past president with the Mycological Society of America, and executive vice president of the Society of Systematic Biologists.
“David Hibbett’s election into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences recognizes a career of transformative scientific discovery,” said Jennifer Hanselman, associate provost and dean of research. “His work exemplifies the kind of rigorous, curiosity-driven research that advances knowledge while inspiring students and colleagues alike. This is a moment of pride for Clark University.”
Induction ceremonies for Hibbett, Dangermond, and the other new members — who include eminent academic scholars as well as well-known creative artists like actor-director-producer Jodie Foster, actor-dancer-singer Rita Moreno, and best-selling authors Tayari Jones, Barbara Kingsolver, and Colson Whitehead — will take place in Cambridge this October.
Since 1890, Clark has seen 22 scholars elected to the Academy. Two current faculty now have been honored as members: Hibbett and Anthony Bebbington, the Milton P. and Alice C. Higgins Professor of Environment and Society in the Graduate School of Geography.
Photos by Steven King, University Photographer
