4/24/2025 Jackson Brunner
Written by Jackson Brunner
Professor and Grainger Distinguished Chair in Engineering Paul Braun of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, received a prestigious honor with his election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
John Adams and John Hancock developed the academy in 1790 with the goal of recognizing accomplished people and engaging them in meeting challenges facing the nation. According to the organization's website, its goal is to bring leaders together from across disciplines to "advance the interest, honor, dignity and happiness of a free, independent and virtuous people."
Braun is one of two Illinois Grainger Engineering honorees recognized in the academy's 250-member 2025 class. He also joins Illinois Grainger Engineering Dean Rashid Bashir, who was elected to the academy in 2024.
Other elected members in 2025 include CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, activist and journalist Gloria Steinem and Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella. Historically, key figures in academy membership feature Benjamin Franklin, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Alexander Graham Bell and more.
“These new members’ accomplishments speak volumes about the human capacity for discovery, creativity, leadership, and persistence. They are a stellar testament to the power of knowledge to broaden our horizons and deepen our understanding,” said Academy President Laurie L. Patton. “We invite every new member to celebrate their achievement and join the Academy in our work to promote the common good.”
Illinois Grainger Engineering Affiliations
Paul Braun is an Illinois Grainger Engineering professor of Materials Science and Engineering and is affiliated with the Department of Chemistry, the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology. He is director of the Materials Research Laboratory and holds the Grainger Distinguished Chair in Engineering appointment.