The American Association for the Advancement of Science, or AAAS, has named two UC Riverside faculty members as 2025 Fellows, a distinction that ranks among the highest scientific honors in the nation. 

The honors went to Rodolfo H. Torres and Yadong Yin for their respective contributions to mathematics and chemistry.

Torres is a distinguished professor of mathematics and UCR’s vice chancellor for research, innovation, and economic development, or RED. He is an internationally known expert in Fourier analysis, a mathematical field that decomposes complex information into basic components, very much in the same way a prism transforms a ray of light into a rainbow of colors (waves of different wavelengths). He is recognized for theoretical contributions as well as applications in signal analysis and in the understanding of animal coloration. A fellow of the American Mathematical Society, he has received multiple awards for teaching excellence.

As vice chancellor of RED, Torres provides executive leadership for campus-wide research initiatives and economic development activities in coordination with the region, state, and other external partners.

“I feel honored by this recognition, which is a reflection of the strength of UCR’s research enterprise as a whole,” Torres said. “At UCR, we are committed to advancing knowledge in ways that benefit both the scientific community and society at large.”

Yin, a professor of chemistry, was recognized in the AAAS chemistry section for his groundbreaking contributions in nanoscience and materials chemistry. 

Yin’s research explores how nanoscale materials form, change, and assemble, and how they can be engineered into functional systems. His lab designs unique nanostructures that can significantly improve the performance of catalytic, electronic, and photonic devices, thereby advancing technologies with potential applications in energy, computing, and advanced manufacturing. Having been included in the “Highly Cited” list by Clarivate Analytics every year since 2014, he is also a fellow of both the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Materials Research Society.

“This recognition is not just a personal milestone, but a testament to the hard work, creativity, and dedication of the brilliant students, postdocs, and collaborators I have had the privilege to work with at UC Riverside,” Yin said. “To have our efforts recognized by such a prestigious scientific community is incredibly humbling and reinforces our commitment to nanoscale innovation.”

Election as an AAAS Fellow is a lifetime honor and reflects peer recognition of sustained contributions to scientific advancement. Fellows are selected across a wide range of disciplines, highlighting the breadth of research that drives innovation and addresses global challenges.

The AAAS Council elected 449 scientists, engineers, and innovators this year, recognizing individuals whose work has advanced science or its applications in service to society.

UCR Senior Research Communications Manager Jules Bernstein contributed to this article.