UT Microbiologist Wilhelm Honored as Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada

Steven Wilhelm joins a distinguished roster this year with his election as a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) Academy of Science. This recognition is the RSC's highest honor in areas of arts, social sciences, humanities, and science.

"The RSC inducts fellows to help them build a better future in Canada and the world. As a native Canadian, this honor is the pinnacle of what I could have hoped for in my career," said Wilhelm, the Kenneth and Blaire Mossman Professor in UT's Department of Microbiology. "It also provides an opportunity for me to work with my collaborators in the United States, Canada, and around the world on science I see as important to understanding the synergies between microorganisms and aquatic systems."

The RSC's news announcement detailed its list of 104 fellows for 2024, recognizing achievements across many disciplines following rigorous evaluation and review. Fellows are elected to one of the society's three academies: the Academy of Arts and Humanities; the Academy of Social Sciences; and the Academy of Science. There are currently 2,524 Fellows.

"The Royal Society of Canada is very proud to welcome today an imposing group of inspiring scholars, artists and creators whose peers have recognized their exceptional contributions to the world of science and culture and to the well-being of Canada," said RSC President Alain-G. Gagnon. "The impact of their work will continue to be felt in the development of public policies for years to come, while contributing to the well-being of our society."

For Wilhelm's selection, the society cited his research in advancing the study of microbes in aquatic systems, including the roles of viruses as drivers of marine and freshwater biogeochemistry, and his contributions in biogeochemistry, molecular ecology, oceanography, and limnology.

They specifically noted his research in how microbes shape their environment and how environmental conditions shape microbial communities, such as factors that control the ecology of toxigenic cyanobacteria in fresh waters, the bioavailability of trace elements in seawater, and the use of molecular tools to characterize microbial community function across aquatic systems.

"I am hoping I can use this newfound honor to shine an even brighter light on our problems with water resources—and how they are fixable," said Wilhelm. "For my continuing career at UT, it means a new generation of opportunities in research for our students, postdoctoral fellows, and scientific staff."

Wilhelm and his family will attend the induction ceremony for the 2024 fellows on Friday, November 8, 2024, during the RSC's Celebration of Excellence and Engagement in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Provided by University of Tennessee at Knoxville