FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Dr. Susan VandeWoude learned the news at Dulles Airport while returning from Washington, D.C., on April 30: She had been elected to join the National Academy of Sciences, one of the highest honors for scientists in recognition of distinguished and continuing achievements in original research.
VandeWoude, associate dean for research in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, had attended an event in the nation’s capital where NAS members welcomed last year’s inductees, including Colorado State University Distinguished Professor Diana Wall. Vandewoude was traveling with another University Distinguished Professor and Academy member, Dr. Ed Hoover, who is her husband.
VandeWoude’s father, George, who was elected into the Academy in 1993, had also attended the NAS festivities.
“All day, I felt like I was hit by a great big wave,” VandeWoude said. “It was such an overwhelmingly strange feeling of shock and disbelief. I wasn’t giddy or excited. I was speechless, which isn’t typical for me.”
VandeWoude is the second female researcher from CSU to join the NAS, and the 12th faculty member elected to the reigning body of national thought leaders on all things scientific. (See list below.) She is also the only researcher from Colorado included among this year’s inductees.
Rick Miranda, provost and executive vice president at CSU, said the honor was “wonderful recognition for one of our most accomplished faculty leaders. Not only has she been a spectacular researcher and teacher, but she has also contributed significantly to the development of programs in her college and at the University. We are all delighted with this news.”
Women make up about 40% of this year’s new Academy members. Wall said that she was thrilled to have another female scientist from CSU join the ranks of the NAS. “Sue and I are only two representatives of the high quality of women scientists at the University,” she added.
Research is what fulfills her
A veterinarian, teacher and researcher, VandeWoude has specialized in studying conditions affecting cats, both big and small, including feline immunodeficiency virus, which can leave animals vulnerable to other infections.
Her discoveries are linked to both animal and ecological concerns, and the findings shed light on the emergence and spread of viruses in the human population. VandeWoude’s research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and Morris Animal Foundation.
— Mary Guiden, Colorado State University
For more news from Colorado, click here.