Feng Zhang Joins Society for Science & the Public Board of Trustees

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Society for Science & the Public is excited to share that noted scientist, Feng Zhang, has joined the Society's Board of Trustees.  Zhang is a core member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, an Investigator at the McGovern Institute for Brain Research, the James and Patricia Poitras Professor of Neuroscience at MIT, an associate professor in the departments of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Biological Engineering at MIT, and a New York Stem Cell Foundation-Robertson Investigator. 

Zhang is also an alumnus of two of the Society's world-class science competitions: the 1998 and 1999 International Science and Engineering Fair as well as the 2000 Science Talent Search.

"Feng is an innovator whose breakthrough ideas are changing the face of bioscience," said H. Robert Horvitz, Chairman of the Society's Board of Trustees. "I am confident that he will add great value to our Board of Trustees, and the Society for Science & the Public will benefit from his experience and counsel."

"As an alumnus of both our high school science competitions, Feng will bring an informed and insightful viewpoint to the Board and their deliberations," said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of the Society for Science & the Public and Publisher of Science News. "I am thrilled to have Feng join our board and look forward to working with him."

Zhang is a molecular biologist focused on developing tools to better understand brain function and treat neurological and psychiatric disorders. He played an integral role in the creation of two revolutionary tools, optogenetics and the CRISPR-Cas genome engineering system. Zhang is also a founding scientific advisor for Editas Medicine, which seeks to translate CRISPR technology into therapies that enable precise and corrective molecular modification to treat people with a broad range of genetic diseases.

Current research in the Zhang laboratory is centered on the development and application of the next generation of genome engineering tools to dissect the effects of genetic and epigenetic variation on the nervous system.

"I have long been a fan and supporter of the Society for Science & the Public and the important work they are doing to inform, educate and inspire the public. I'm looking forward to taking a more active role in guiding the Society into the future," said Zhang.

Zhang is a recipient of many awards, including the Canada Gairdner International Award, the Tang Prize, the Blavatnik National Award for Young Scientists, the Albany Medical Center Prize in Medicine and Biomedical Research, and the Lemelson-MIT Prize.  He has also received technology innovation awards from the Paul G. Allen Family, McKnight, New York Stem Cell, and Damon Runyon foundations.

Zhang received his A.B. in chemistry and physics from Harvard College and his Ph.D. in chemistry from Stanford University.

About Society for Science & the Public
Society for Science & the Public is dedicated to the achievement of young scientists in independent research and to public engagement in science. Established in 1921, the Society is a nonprofit whose vision is to promote the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Through its world-class competitions, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, and the Broadcom MASTERS, and its award-winning magazine, Science News and Science News for Students, Society for Science & the Public is committed to inform, educate, and inspire. Learn more at www.societyforscience.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat (Society4Science).

Media Contact: Gayle Kansagor, 202-872-5103, [email protected]

SOURCE Society for Science & the Public

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