Ainsworth, known for her research on how crops are impacted by pollutants such as ozone and carbon dioxide, is among 120 new members announced today. This honor recognizes her “distinguished and continuing achievements in original research,” according to the NAS announcement.
“I am humbled to receive this tremendous honor," Ainsworth said. "My election to the NAS is a reflection of considerable good fortune in a career filled with generous mentors and collaborators, creative postdocs and students, and incredible research opportunities made possible by the USDA-ARS and the University of Illinois.”
Currently, she leads the USDA-ARS Global Change and Photosynthesis Research Unit and Soybean Free Air Concentration Enrichment (SoyFACE), a cutting-edge research facility where scientists can explore the current and future impact of the climate crisis on crops that are grown outdoors in real-world field conditions.