University of Idaho Director Named 2025 AAAS Fellow

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Katherine Himes, director of the McClure Center for Public Policy Research at the University of Idaho, has been named a 2025 fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). The national honor recognizes Himes for her work in science diplomacy and state policy development, including founding Idaho's first science policy fellowship program.

Why it matters

The AAAS fellowship is a prestigious lifetime honor that recognizes significant contributions to science and society. Himes' selection highlights the University of Idaho's role in advancing science-based policymaking at the state level through initiatives like the Idaho Science and Technology Policy Fellowship program.

The details

Himes has led the McClure Center since 2017 and during that time established the Idaho Science and Technology Policy Fellowship. The program places scientists and engineers in state government roles to support policymaking with technical expertise. Since launching in 2020, the fellowship has included 11 participants working on issues such as wildlife management, rural STEM education and energy planning.

• Himes has led the McClure Center since 2017.
• The Idaho Science and Technology Policy Fellowship program launched in 2020.
• Himes is expected to be formally recognized as a 2025 AAAS fellow in May.

What’s next

Himes is expected to be formally recognized as a 2025 AAAS fellow at the organization's Fellows Forum in Washington, D.C., in May.