Dr. Angela M. Belcher ‘91 (CCS Creative Studies) ‘97 (UCSB Ph.D. Chemistry) Awarded National Medal of Science

January 29, 2025

CCS alumna recognized by President Biden for groundbreaking research inspired by nature

Angela M. Belcher ‘91 (CCS Creative Studies) ‘97 (UCSB Ph.D. Chemistry)

The College of Creative Studies (CCS) celebrates Dr. Angela M. Belcher ’91 (Creative Studies) ’97 (UCSB Ph.D. Chemistry) for receiving a 2024 National Medal of Science, the nation’s highest honor for scientists and engineers. Dr. Belcher was presented this honor by Dr. Arati Prabhakar, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, at a White House ceremony on January 3, 2025.

This prestigious award is presented by the President of the United States to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to advancing knowledge in fields such as the physical, biological, mathematical, engineering, or social and behavioral sciences, and for their service to the nation.

Dr. Belcher was selected: “For her innovations in nanoscience and materials science that are changing the world. Driven by designs found in nature, Angela Belcher has created novel materials to detect early signs of cancer and to store more energy in solar cells. In the fields of energy and medicine, her research has opened up new possibilities for solving the defining challenges of our time.”

By receiving this recognition, Dr. Belcher joins a group of distinguished innovators whose work has left a lasting impact on science and society. In a statement from the White House, President Biden remarked, “Those who earn these awards embody the promise of America by pushing the boundaries of what is possible. These trailblazers have harnessed the power of science and technology to tackle challenging problems and deliver innovative solutions for Americans and for communities around the world.”

Dr. Belcher, a member of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, is an accomplished materials scientist and biological engineer. She graduated from the UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) College of Creative Studies in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Studies and earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the UCSB Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry in 1997. Currently, she serves as the James Mason Crafts Professor of Biological Engineering and Materials Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). At MIT, Dr. Belcher directs the Biomolecular Materials Group and is a member of the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research. She became head of MIT’s Department of Biological Engineering in 2019 and was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 2022.

Dr. Belcher was named a 2004 MacArthur Fellow and is also the founder of five start-up companies. In 2006, she was recognized as a TIME “Hero” for her research related to climate change, and in 2009 was listed by Rollingstone as one of the top 100 people changing the country. During the College's 50th Anniversary, Dr. Belcher visited CCS as a 2017 Transdisciplinary Fellow, leading workshops for CCS and UCSB students to share her inspiring career journey. In her story as one of 50 stories written to celebrate the College’s 50th Anniversary in 2017-2018, she recalled her alma mater fondly, stating, “If you ask me what I think [is] the single most important part of my success, I’ll say College of Creative Studies."

The College congratulates Dr. Belcher on her remarkable accomplishments, exemplifying the creative passion and innovative excellence of CCS.

Read more about the National Medal of Science and Technology awardees:

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