Two alumni from Stony Brook University have been inducted into the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). Peter Ungar, who graduated from the Interdepartmental Doctoral Program in Anthropological Sciences, was recognized for his research on reconstructing past diets through dental microwear. He is currently a distinguished professor and director of the Environmental Dynamics Program at the University of Arkansas.
Fredrick Kyalo Manthi, an alumnus of the Turkana Basin Institute postdoctoral program, was honored for his contributions to vertebrate paleontology and human evolution studies. He serves as a senior research scientist in the Department of Earth Sciences at the National Museums of Kenya and is also a Postdoctoral Fellow at Stony Brook University.
Ungar expressed surprise and humility upon receiving this recognition: “The election to the academy was a complete surprise – a total shock,” he said. Manthi highlighted the broader significance of his induction: “The induction into NAS is a big honor not just to me, but to Kenya and the African continent, the birthplace of humanity.”
Carl Lejuez, Stony Brook’s executive vice president and provost, shared his pride in their achievements: “I’m pleased and proud to hear of Peter and Kyalo’s induction into the National Academies. Stony Brook is always eager to celebrate the successes and achievements of our graduates.”
Lawrence B. Martin, distinguished service professor at SUNY, praised their career accomplishments: “Election to the National Academy of Sciences is one of the greatest honors that a research scientist can hope to receive based on a career devoted to scientific excellence.”
The NAS was established in 1863, electing members based on their significant contributions to original research. As new inductees, Ungar and Manthi join approximately 2,700 members worldwide.
Peter Ungar earned his PhD from Stony Brook University in 1992 and resides in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Fredrick Kyalo Manthi completed his postdoctoral program in 2009 and lives in Kenya.