The prestigious honor recognizes biochemist Jean Cook, PhD, and her work on cancer development and the human cell cycle, a biological process crucial for development, healing, and continued maintenance of the body.
Jean Cook, PhD, a professor and chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the UNC School of Medicine and member of UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, has been elected as an Honorary Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
Cook joins the 2025 class of Fellows, which is comprised of 449 scientists, engineers, and innovators whose contributions have advanced scientific knowledge or its practical applications for the benefit of society.
The Cook lab uses a combination of cellular and molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry to study the human cell cycle. The cell cycle plays an essential role in generating new cells required throughout development, tissue repair, and ongoing maintenance.
But unregulated cellular production can lead to cancer. The lab uses genetic and pharmacological strategies to manipulate cultured human cells (both cancer and non-cancer cell lines) and to better understand their inner workings and weaknesses. Through their scientific study, Cook’s lab hopes to inspire new therapies to encourage cell regeneration and treat cancer.
Cook will be honored at the ceremonial Fellows Forum in Washington, D.C. on May 29, 2026, where she will be presented with a certificate and blue and gold rosette. Learn more about all the AAAS honorary fellows here.
Media contact: Kendall Rovinsky, Communications Specialist, UNC Health | UNC School of Medicine