Like mother, like son. In May 2016, Krishna “Kris” Niyogi, who grew up in Oak Ridge, was elected to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). Eighteen years earlier, in 1998, his mother Audrey, who worked at Oak Ridge Lab for 44 years, was elected to the academy, which is a private, nonprofit organization of the country’s leading researchers.

The NAS recognizes and promotes outstanding science through election to membership; publication in its journal, PNAS; and its awards, programs, and special activities. Through the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the NAS provides objective, science-based advice on critical issues affecting the nation. Election to membership in the NAS is considered one of the highest honors that a scientist can receive.

Niyogi, a faculty scientist affiliated with the Molecular Biophysics & Integrated Bioimaging Division, and his mother were recently featured in a “Historically Speaking” post of the Oakridger which includes several quotes of Niyogi.