Washington State University Faculty Recognized For Their Impact On Science

Two Washington State University faculty members are being honored among the newest fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.  Michael Neff, Washington Turfgrass Seed Commission Professor at WSU, and Dr. Michael Court, an emeritus professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine, are part of the 2025 class announced last week.

AAAS Fellows are recognized for shaping public policy, advancing research, and influencing global scientific perspectives.  Since 2010, more than 30 WSU-affiliated academics have received the honor. 

Neff Has Played A Key Role In The Turfgrass Industry

Described as a "prolific researcher" within WSU's Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Neff’s studies plant responses to the environment leading to changes in growth and development.  A molecular geneticist by trade, Neff came to WSU almost two decades ago to a new position in crop biotechnology and also led the Molecular Plant Sciences PhD program for fourteen years. 12 years ago, Neff started breeding grasses and has since played a key role in the turfgrass industry.

Court was recognized for his work in comparative pharmacogenetics, translating discoveries about drug reactions in animals to benefit human health.  In addition to serving as the Dr. William R. Jones Endowed Chair within the College of Veterinary Medicine from 2012–25, Court was a researcher in the Program in Individualized Medicine and a principal investigator of the Pharmacogenomics Laboratory.  Though he is retired from the university, Court continues to support the College of Veterinary Medicine through his efforts to commercialize a genetic test for drug treatment of a bleeding disorder in dogs that he developed and patented.

Court also serves on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Science Board. 

These Honors Highlight The Work Taking Place At WSU

“This recognition highlights the meaningful scientific contributions being made every day at WSU,” said Vice President for Research Kim Christen. “Professors Court and Neff have each advanced their fields in ways that resonate far beyond the university, strengthening our mission to pursue research that addresses real-world challenges.”

The AAAS Fellows program dates back to 1874 and continues to honor "those foremost authorities in the scientific community every year".  The 2025 AAAS Fellows have also been invited to the annual Fellows Forum, which takes place this year on May 29th Washington, D.C.

Visit the AAAS's Website for more information including a list of historic fellows.

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