Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters: Inducts new fellows

The Wisconsin Academy announces sixteen Wisconsinites who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to intellectual discourse and public service to receive the 2026 Fellows Awards. The Wisconsin Academy Fellows Award recognizes educators, researchers, mentors, artists, and civic or business leaders from across Wisconsin who have made significant accomplishments in their fields and substantial contributions to the cultural life and welfare of the state and its people. Fellows are selected by committee through a rigorous process every two years. Being selected as a Fellow offers unique recognition across diverse fields and amplifies the extraordinary work of Wisconsinites. Honorees will be inducted at a ceremony in the Fall of 2026.

“When we are looking for inspiration and a vision for what is possible, the Wisconsin Academy Fellows program serves as a light, showcasing bright minds and creative voices from every corner of our state,” says Wisconsin Academy Executive Director Erika Monroe-Kane. “Academy Fellows are groundbreakers who have had a deep, meaningful impact and significantly contribute to a vibrant and brilliant Wisconsin. Reflecting the extraordinary in Wisconsin, this 2026 Wisconsin Fellows Class connects us to what is special about Wisconsin and its people.” Established in 1982, the Fellows program is the only Award that recognizes outstanding work across the sciences, arts and Letters in Wisconsin. The 2026 Class of Fellows will join over 100 current Fellows from around the state. New Fellows include infectious disease researcher and healthcare leader Dr. David Andes; nonprofit executive and visionary urban planner Dr. Ruben Anthony; visual artist and master printmaker Emily Arthur; STEM equity advocate and psychologist Dr. Angela Byars-Winston; pioneering choreographer and dancer Li Chiao-Ping; celebrated actor, director, and novelist James DeVita; choreographer and dance educator Simone Ferro; sculptor, curator, and visual artist Martha Glowacki; performing artist and psychologist Dr. Frederick Heide; environmental toxicologist and educator Dr. Rebecca Klaper; urban ecology pioneer and author Ken Leinbach; legendary broadcaster and life sciences communicator Larry Meiller; distinguished attorney and civil servant Lester Pines; Indigenous artist and cultural educator Melanie Tallmadge Sainz; surgical oncologist, innovator, and educator Dr. Sharon M. Weber; and multi-disciplinary artist, mentor, and curator Jason S. Yi.

About the Wisconsin AcademyA champion of independent thought, creativity, and civil discourse, the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters connects people from across the state and builds common ground. Through exhibitions, publications, and initiatives, the Wisconsin Academy sparks curiosity, creativity, and dialogue across the state. The James Watrous Gallery celebrates contemporary Wisconsin artists, while Wisconsin People & Ideas magazine explores the intersections of science, culture, and the humanities. The Climate and Energy Initiative advances pathways to a sustainable future, and public talks foster meaningful connections among engaged and inquisitive people. The Academy also honors excellence through the Fiction & Poetry Awards and Fellows Awards, supports the Wisconsin Poet Laureate, and nurtures ideas and conversations that shape a better future for Wisconsin.

About the Fellows ProgramSince its founding in 1870, the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters has been dedicated to the belief that the health of our state depends on the free exchange of ideas. The Academy Fellows program is the heartbeat of this mission, serving as the common ground where Wisconsin’s most influential thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers meet. In a time of increasing fragmentation, these Fellows create a vital statewide network that unites our rural landscapes with our urban centers, bringing together leaders from across the sciences, arts, and letters to navigate our most complex challenges. These individuals are the modern stewards of the Wisconsin Idea. Together, they remind us that our greatest resource is our shared curiosity and our dedication to making this state a place where everyone can truly find a home. Read more about the Wisconsin Academy Fellows Award at: https://www.wisconsinacademy.org/fellows

Sixteen New Fellows Inducted in 2026

David Andes: Infectious disease researcher and healthcare leader Dr. David Andes is a global authority in infections and pharmacology whose work at the frontlines of medicine is saving lives across the world. Andes is the William Craig Professor in the Departments of Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and Head of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.  Andes is an internationally recognized clinician-scientist in antimicrobial resistance whose research findings identify strategies to tackle this emerging public health threat. Many of his findings are being implemented in national and international guidelines.

Ruben Anthony: Nonprofit executive and visionary urban planner, Dr. Ruben Anthony is a transformative leader whose work in civil rights and economic development has reshaped the landscape of Wisconsin’s urban communities. Anthony has been the President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Madison since March of 2015. He is leading the fight to build generational wealth for the BIPOC community through homeownership programs, and he is also co-founder of the Black Business Hub. Over the past 30 years Ruben has been a senior manager in the public, private and not profit sectors. He is a subject matter expert (SME) in developing job placement strategies and in minority business development. In the time he has been with the Urban League of Greater Madison, they have increased their job placements by 39% and have made nearly 2000 placements to date.  The majority (19 years) of his career has been as a manager with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation where he started as a first line supervisor and eventually became the Deputy Secretary and the Chief Operations Officer from 2003 to 2010. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Marquette University, a Masters of Public Policy and Administration from Jackson State University, a Masters of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Wisconsin Madison and a doctorate degree in Urban Studies from the University of Wisconsin.

Emily Arthur: Visual artist and master printmaker. Emily Arthur creates a profound dialogue between her Cherokee heritage and the natural environment, using her craft to document the complex narratives of land, displacement, and ecological preservation. Arthur serves as a vital bridge between the arts and environmental advocacy in Wisconsin. Her work—notably in exhibitions like “Re-membering”—interweaves the land’s narrative with contemporary legal struggles to protect wildlife, creating a poignant commentary on the intersection of ecological preservation and Native American heritage. By reflecting on the histories of Indigenous peoples and forced displacement, Arthur’s practice addresses issues at the very forefront of public discourse. An Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Arthur brings an invaluable interdisciplinary perspective to the academic community. Her practice is informed by her time as a Fellow at the Barnes Foundation for Advanced Theoretical and Critical Research and her recognition as a Notable Woman in the Arts. Her work is held in prominent international collections, reflecting a global reach that remains deeply rooted in local landscapes. Through her collaborations with scholars across disciplines, Arthur crafts a visual language that challenges and educates, fostering a deep understanding of the shared histories that bind our communities to the earth.

Li Chiao-Ping: Pioneering choreographer and dancer Li Chiao-Ping is an artistic force whose physically rigorous and intellectually profound work has redefined contemporary dance in Wisconsin and beyond. Chiao-Ping is the Sally Banes Professor of Dance and a Vilas Research Professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she has been a major force for excellence in the arts for over three decades. Praised by the New York Times, Village Voice, and Dance Magazine for her trademark physicality and “marvelously imaginative” vision, she creates layered, multi-disciplinary pieces that combine striking visual design with contemporary music. Since founding her namesake company in 1990, she has produced athletic, emotionally charged contemporary works that explore complex themes of culture and identity. Her choreographic reach extends to the world’s most prestigious stages, including The Kennedy Center, Jacob’s Pillow, and the Joyce SoHo. Beyond her performance career, Chiao-Ping is a devoted educator and researcher who fosters community through her “Dancing Through Life” philosophy. Her work spans K-12 residencies, professional mentorship, and specialized movement workshops for seniors, demonstrating her belief that dance is a universal language. A former Discovery Fellow at the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, she continues to push the boundaries of contemporary dance to promote health, tolerance, and life-long learning for diverse populations of all ages.

James DeVita: James DeVita is an author, actor, and theater director. He is a core company member and literary manager at American Players Theater, a classical repertory theater in Wisconsin. He has worked as an actor in Japan, Germany, Australia, Ireland, and throughout the United States.  His novel, Sanctuary, written under the pen name James Cleary, is being published this year by Penguin Random House in the US and Canada, and also by HarperCollins in the UK. It will be released internationally in Italy France and Germany as well. His previous novels include A Winsome Murder (WI-University Press), The Silenced (Milkweed Editions), and Blue (HarperCollins). DeVita has also worked extensively as a playwright for adult and young audiences. A resident playwright at Milwaukee’s First Stage Children’s Theater, his work in the field has been acknowledged twice with The Distinguished Play Award from The American Alliance of Theater and Education; The Intellectual Freedom Award by the Kentucky Council of Teachers of English/Language Arts; the Shubert Fendrich Memorial Playwrighting Contest, and The American Alliance of Theater and Education honored his body of work with the Charlotte B. Chorpenning Award. DeVita is also a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellowship for Fiction.

Angela Byars-Winston: STEM equity advocate and psychologist, Dr. Angela Byars-Winston is a national leader in diversifying the scientific workforce by mentoring the next generation of researchers and innovators. Byars-Winston is a Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the inaugural Chair of the Institute for Diversity Science. A national authority on the “human side” of scientific innovation, her scholarship applies social cognitive career theory to identify and dismantle the barriers facing historically underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Her work is widely cited by major policy bodies, including the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and she co-developed the Culturally Aware Mentorship (CAM) program, which now serves as a national model for effective research training. Recognized at the highest levels for her impact, Byars-Winston was honored at the White House as a “Champion of Change” and received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring. Her influence extends across Wisconsin, where she has led critical conversations on racial justice and partnered with educators to inspire a more inclusive future for the state’s scientific community. Through her research and her deep commitment to the Wisconsin Idea, she ensures that the next generation of innovators has the support and mentorship necessary to solve the world’s most complex challenges.

Simone Ferro: Choreographer and dance educator Simone Ferro is a vital voice in the performing arts whose work blends traditional Brazilian influences with contemporary social issues to create deeply moving movement. Ferro is a Professor Emerita at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she served as Chair of the Department of Dance and Director of its nationally recognized MFA program. Throughout her distinguished career, she has been a tireless advocate for the field, serving as President of the Wisconsin Dance Council and championing dance education and access across the state. Her leadership was instrumental in creating the Emerging Artist Program, a statewide initiative providing funding and mentorship to the next generation of Wisconsin choreographers. Ferro’s artistic practice is deeply rooted in social justice and “embodied research”. Her projects, such as Milwaukee Through Embodied Research, combine dance with oral history to explore resilience in local neighborhoods, resulting in site-specific performances in public spaces and homes. She has also used her choreography to investigate complex social realities like housing insecurity, inspired by works such as Matthew Desmond’s Evicted. Internationally, Ferro is a Fulbright Fellow whose ethnographic research into traditional folk cultures in rural Brazil has led to extensive documentation and podcast series amplifying the voices of women artists. Her legacy is one of unwavering service to both the academic and artistic communities of the Midwest.

Martha Glowacki: Sculptor, curator, and visual artist Martha Glowacki creates meticulous works that explore the intersection of the natural world, scientific history, and Victorian material culture. Glowacki is known for her interdisciplinary work that combines her personal art practice with an ongoing commitment to building the Wisconsin visual arts community. Her sculptures often blend an interest in the history of science, museums, and technology with a deep love and concern for nature. She is particularly well known for complex, site-specific installation projects such as Starry Transit (2005), an immersive work housed in the dome of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s historic Washburn Observatory. Living and working on the edge of the Driftless Area near Sauk City, Glowacki draws inspiration from the physical landscape of Wisconsin. Her work acts as a bridge between the arts and sciences, frequently utilizing historical scientific instruments and Victorian-era display techniques to explore how humans perceive and document the environment. As a curator and artist, she has been a tireless advocate for the regional arts scene, fostering collaborations that demonstrate the power of the visual arts to explain and preserve the world around us.

Frederick Heide: Performing artist and psychologist Dr. Frederick Heide is a rare multi-hyphenate whose career spans from the clinical study of mindfulness to the comedic stage of Northern Wisconsin’s theatrical traditions. Frederick “Doc” Heide is co-founder and performer with Door County’s award-winning Northern Sky Theater. He has co-authored Wisconsin-based musicals such as Belgians in Heaven, Packer Fans from Outer Space, and Guys & Does and released four albums, including Birthplace of the Thunder (2026) with his band Zen of Thieves.  A Wisconsin native, Heide is Professor Emeritus at the California School of Professional Psychology and has published on relaxation-induced anxiety, charisma, and spirituality.

Rebecca Klaper: Environmental toxicologist and educator, Dr. Rebecca Klaper is a crucial guardian of our Great Lakes whose research on emerging contaminants is shaping the future of water conservation. Klaper is the Dean of the School of Freshwater Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the Director of the Great Lakes Genomics Center. A leading researcher at the forefront of environmental health, Klaper’s work examines the impact of emerging contaminants—such as nanomaterials, pharmaceuticals, and “forever chemicals” like PFAS—on aquatic ecosystems. Her research is uniquely proactive; rather than simply identifying toxicity, she collaborates with a national network of scientists in the Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology to design manmade materials that are inherently safer for both human health and the environment from the moment of their creation. A frequent expert advisor to the International Joint Commission and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Klaper has testified globally on the utility of genomic technologies in ecological risk assessment. Her commitment to the “Wisconsin Idea” is evident in her leadership of the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin, where she works to strengthen the state’s water workforce and address urgent contamination crises. Most recently, she co-founded Built-N-Bioassays, a biotech startup that uses AI and machine learning to revolutionize how industries detect and understand chemical impacts on water systems. Through her interdisciplinary approach, Klaper ensures that Wisconsin remains a global leader in freshwater science, securing a resilient future for the Great Lakes and beyond.

Ken Leinbach: Urban ecology pioneer and author Ken Leinbach is the visionary behind the Urban Ecology Center model, proving that nature is the most powerful tool for community revitalization and education. Leinbach is the co-founder and long-time Executive Director of the Urban Ecology Center (UEC) in Milwaukee. Over his 25-year tenure, he catalyzed the growth of the UEC from a grassroots effort into a robust organization with three vibrant nature-based community centers that now serve more than 400,000 visitors annually. His “urban ecology model”—which uses environmental education as a tool for inspiring social change and land restoration—has captured global attention and is currently being used as a blueprint for cities across the United States and abroad. A nationally recognized speaker and science educator, Leinbach is the author of the best-selling book Urban Ecology: A Natural Way to Transform Kids, Parks, Cities, and the World. His work has been featured in The New York Times and on Milwaukee Public Television, and he was a prominent subject in Richard Louv’s influential book, Last Child in the Woods. Ken is now launching, In the Spirit of Kindness, an incubator of projectsthat connect people to their inner purpose, each other, and the natural world. With no car, Ken models resource sharing and green living at the Hawk’s Nest, a diverse intentional community where he lives.

Larry R. Meiller: Legendary broadcaster and life sciences communicator Larry R. Meiller has spent decades as the trusted voice of Wisconsin Public Radio, bridging the gap between expert knowledge and the daily lives of citizens. In a distinguished career spanning nearly sixty years, Meiller has served the public as a professor, broadcaster, and mentor. For the past 58 years, he has hosted The Larry Meiller Show on Wisconsin Public Radio, a program that makes science, art, and literature accessible to a statewide audience. The scale of his contribution is nearly unparalleled in broadcasting; he has hosted approximately 14,000 shows with at least 28,000 guest experts. Known for his meticulous preparation, Meiller reads 45 to 50 books annually for the show, taking immense pride in highlighting Wisconsin authors and stories that resonate with the citizens of the state. Beyond the microphone, Meiller served as a professor in the UW-Madison Department of Life Sciences Communication for 104 semesters. His journalism courses and mentorship empowered generations of communicators who have since made their own impacts worldwide. A member of both the Wisconsin Broadcasters and Milwaukee Press Club Halls of Fame, his accolades range from the Bluebird Restoration Association to the CALS Honorary Recognition Award—the highest honor for service to the people of Wisconsin. Meiller’s influence also extends globally, from building broadcasting capacity in the Caribbean to developing community radio in Nicaragua and Pakistan. Whether speaking to a local gardener or a researcher abroad, Meiller has spent his life proving that clear, compassionate communication is the most powerful tool for public engagement and the “Wisconsin Idea” in action.

Lester Pines: Distinguished attorney and civil servant Lester Pines is a titan of the Wisconsin legal community whose career has been defined by a fierce commitment to constitutional rights and the public good. Pines is a founding partner of Pines Bach LLP and a premier Wisconsin litigator. Upon his retirement in 2025, The Capital Times described him as a “great guardian of the Constitution, the rule of law and justice.” His career-long commitment to civil engagement was evidenced as early as 1976 when, at the request of Governor Lucey, he negotiated a peaceful resolution to an armed prison uprising, an act for which he was hailed as a “courageous Madison attorney.” Throughout his tenure, three Wisconsin governors have sought his counsel. Governor Doyle noted that Pines “fought for and furthered the highest values of this country,” while Governor Evers stated that “human rights and civic engagement are what Lester Pines is all about.” His reputation reached the national stage when President Obama asked him to represent a friend’s son, later writing: “Having an attorney of your caliber looking out for him really made a difference.” Pines won landmark policy cases before the Wisconsin Supreme Court, including maintaining the independence of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and defending the constitutionality of the state’s domestic partnership law. Inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2005—an honor bestowed on only one percent of the state’s lawyers—he has also been recognized by the Madison NAACP and Fair Wisconsin. An Adjunct Professor of the Year at UW Law School, his civic leadership includes serving as president of the Jewish Federation of Madison and as a board member for the Urban League and the Madison Symphony.

Melanie Tallmadge Sainz: Indigenous artist and cultural educator Melanie Tallmadge Sainz is a guardian of Ho-Chunk heritage who uses her mastery of beadwork and mixed media to sustain and share Native traditions. Her art is inspired by the history and legacy of her Ho-Chunk people. An enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, she specializes in traditional and contemporary techniques, including porcupine quill embroidery, beadwork, and mixed-media mosaics. Her work has been shown in exhibitions throughout the US and Japan, and she has won awards at prestigious art markets including the Eiteljorg Museum, the Southern Highland Folk Art Center, and The Heard Museum. Her public art enriches local spaces, including the International Crane Foundation and the Great Sauk State Trail. In recognition of her decades of service, she received the Art Educator of the Year award by the Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA) in 2024. Tallmadge Sainz is also the Founding Director of Little Eagle Arts Foundation (LEAF), a non-profit organization dedicated to cultural preservation through the arts. Through LEAF, she strives to bridge cultures by creating “teachable moments” and providing support for emerging Native American artists. Her commitment to land stewardship and ancestral traditions—from foraging natural fibers to promoting sustainable harvesting—informs her belief that art is a universal language that fosters community healing and resiliency. Whether through her studio work at Mąą Wákąčąk or her statewide educational workshops, Tallmadge Sainz remains a devoted proponent of the necessity of the arts for all people.

Sharon M. Weber: Surgical oncologist, innovator, and educator Dr. Sharon M. Weber is a leader in cancer care whose surgical precision and research breakthroughs are advancing the future of complex medical treatment. Weber attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for general surgery residency. She completed her specialty training at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, with dual fellowships in surgical oncology and hepatobiliary surgery. She has been an invited speaker and moderator at many national meetings, including the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (AHPBA), Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO), and Society of University Surgeons (SUS). She has served on the Executive Council of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT), Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO), SUS, and AHPBA, and served as President of the SUS from 2015-2016. She was the Program Chair for the SSO in 2022 and the Treasurer of the SSAT from 2017-2023. In addition, she served on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Committees for the American Surgical Association (ASA), National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), and SSAT.  She was a founding member of the Association for Out Surgeons and Allies (AOSA) and served on the Board of Directors. Weber’s research interests include mixed methods evaluation of risk factors for readmission using a systems engineering approach with a focus on the transition of care.  In addition, she studies disparities of care for cancer patients with a focus on social determinants of health and barriers to care, with a particular interest in rural health cancer disparities.

Jason S. Yi: Multi-disciplinary artist, mentor, and curator Jason Yi is a cornerstone of the Milwaukee art scene whose monumental installations challenge our perceptions of the built and natural environment. A multidisciplinary artist whose work in photography, video, sculpture, drawing, and site-specific installation explores the geopolitics of place and cultural memory. Yi exhibits nationally and internationally and received a Joan Mitchell Foundation Fellowship, a Mary L. Nohl Fellowship, and the Milwaukee Artist of the Year award. His work is in the collections of the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Museum of Wisconsin Art, and others. Committed to strengthening Wisconsin’s cultural landscape, he co-founded the Plum Blossom Initiative and has directed the Bridge Work professional development program since 2014, mentoring emerging artists from Milwaukee and beyond. As a professor at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design and Director of Hawthorn Contemporary, Yi advances creative inquiry, public dialogue, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.