CMSRU researcher Susy Kohout earns prestigious AAAS Fellowship

Susy Kohout, PhD, associate professor of biomedical sciences at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU), has been named a 2025 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), one of the world’s largest general scientific societies and publisher of the Science family of journals.

Kohout is recognized for her substantial contributions to the field of biophysics and cell biology, particularly her investigations into the interconnected electrical and chemical signaling of cells.

 “Dr. Kohout’s election as an AAAS Fellow is an extraordinary achievement and a reflection of the impact of her work,” said Annette C. Reboli, MD, dean of CMSRU. “To be only the third faculty member in Rowan University history to receive this honor underscores both her individual excellence and the growing strength of our research enterprise at CMSRU.”

Kohout joined CMSRU in August 2022. After earning her doctorate in chemistry and biochemistry, she pursued postdoctoral research in biophysics and neuroscience, where she helped advance understanding of the role of electrical signaling in cellular function. She later established her own laboratory at Montana State University, expanding her research into broader questions of cell biology and physiology. She moved her lab to CMSRU to facilitate connecting her molecular and cellular research to improving human health.

 “I am deeply honored to be recognized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. I want to acknowledge my students and postdoctoral scholars for their critical role behind this recognition. My research would not be possible without their hard work and dedication,” said Dr. Kohout. “I am thrilled to continue investigating how cells use both electrical and chemical signals to survive and thrive with the goal of connecting my molecular scale research with improving human health.”

Kohout is the third faculty member in Rowan University history to be elected an AAAS Fellow. Previous honorees include Courtney Richmond in 2023 and George Haupt in 1946.

A tradition dating back to 1874, election as an AAAS Fellow is a lifetime honor. Fellows are recognized for their scientifically and socially distinguished achievements and expected to maintain the highest standards of professional ethics and scientific integrity. Kohout joins nearly 500 scientists, engineers and innovators elected as 2025 Fellows.