Scott Kirkton, professor of biological sciences, has been named a fellow of the American Physiological Society.

He is one of 14 scholars selected for the 2023 class of fellows by the APS at its inaugural summit last month in Long Beach, Calif. The rank of fellow is reserved for distinguished leaders who have demonstrated excellence in science, made significant contributions to physiological sciences and related disciplines, and served the society.

The professional organization represents nearly 10,000 scientists and educators whose studies of physiology — biological function — help to advance scientific discovery, understand life and improve health.

A member of the APS for 17 years, Kirkton has served in multiple leadership positions for the group.

“I am truly honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” said Kirkton. “I look forward to collaborating with the other fellows to continue to promote the mission of the society.”

An animal physiologist, Kirkton involves his research students in investigating fundamental questions about how changes during an animal’s life history impact biological processes. Specifically, they use insect models to examine how development alters the biochemistry, morphology, physiology and biomechanics of respiration and locomotion.

Kirkton is the author or co-author of multiple articles in leading research journals and the recipient of numerous grants for his research, including from the National Science Foundation.

In 2020, he received the College’s Stillman Prize for Faculty Excellence in Teaching.

Kirkton earned his bachelor of science degree from Denison University and his Ph.D. from Arizona State University. He was a National Institutes of Health postdoctoral researcher at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine.

He joined Union in 2006.