Ximena Bernal and Stephanie Gardner named Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
03-26-2026
Two Department of Biological Sciences professors have been recognized among the nation’s leading scientists and educators.
Ximena Bernal and Stephanie Gardner have been named 2026 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, one of the world’s largest general scientific societies and publisher of the journal Science. The honor recognizes distinguished efforts to advance science or its applications.
Understanding communication in a changing world
Bernal, professor of biological sciences in Purdue’s College of Science, is recognized for her contributions to behavioral ecology, particularly her work on how predators and other “eavesdroppers” influence communication systems in nature.
Her research has reshaped how scientists think about communication in the natural world. Rather than viewing signaling as a simple exchange between two individuals, Bernal’s work demonstrates that communication systems are complex networks shaped by additional listeners, including predators and parasites, as those unintended audiences can influence which signals are successful and which signaling strategies persist over time. By integrating behavior, neurophysiology, and biomechanics, she has helped advance understanding of how signals evolve and how signaling animals respond to pressures such as habitat fragmentation, invasive species and noise pollution.
Beyond her scientific contributions, Bernal is widely recognized as a mentor and advocate for inclusive excellence in science. She has actively worked to address barriers faced by historically marginalized scholars, including examining how cultural and institutional norms affect scientists’ experiences and career trajectories. Her scholarship and service have helped elevate conversations about equity in academic spaces and promote more supportive research environments.
At Purdue, Bernal has mentored undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral researchers, prioritizing individualized professional development and long-term career preparation. She has participated in multi-institutional efforts aimed at broadening participation in STEM and strengthening data-driven promotion and tenure practices. Nationally and internationally, she has led workshops and served in leadership roles within professional societies to advance inclusive practices in the scientific community.
In addition to her mentoring and advocacy, Bernal has contributed extensively through editorial service and leadership roles in scientific organizations, helping shape the direction of research and professional standards in her field.
Expanding access to authentic research experiences
Gardner, professor of biological sciences in Purdue’s College of Science, is being honored for distinguished contributions to biology education research.
Her research centers on how students and scientists approach scientific practice- including interdisciplinary problem-solving, experimental design, constructing mechanistic explanations and communicating data through graphs and visual summaries. Newer research centers on interdisciplinary research and collaboration and identity development. Gardner’s research helps identify how learners develop the skills needed to think and work like scientists.
She played a key role in leading Purdue’s instructor professional development program to support the development and implementation of Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences, known as CUREs. These courses integrate authentic research projects directly into the classroom, expanding access to hands-on research opportunities for undergraduates.
Gardner also serves as a Fellow with PULSE (Partnership for Undergraduate Life Sciences Education), where she has provided national leadership focused on improving life sciences education. She is a member of the STEM DBER (Discipline-Based Education Research) Alliance which aims to catalyze cross-discipline collaboration and education research. Gardner has developed and facilitated a variety of professional development programs to support adoption of evidence-based teaching, getting started in education research, and developing effective mentoring practices.
Together, Bernal and Gardner’s recognition as AAAS Fellows highlights Purdue Biological Sciences’ strength in both discovery and education- advancing scientific knowledge while preparing the next generation of scientists.
About the Department of Biological Sciences at Purdue University
The Department of Biological Sciences is the largest life sciences department at Purdue University. As part of Purdue One Health, we are dedicated to pioneering scientific discoveries and transformative education at the cutting edge of innovation. From molecules to cells, from tissues to organisms, from populations to ecosystems- we bring together multiple perspectives, integrating across biological scales to advance our understanding of life and tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. Learn more at bio.purdue.edu.
Written by: Alisha Willett, Communications Specialist, amwillet@purdue.edu
Contributors: Ximena Bernal, xbernal@purdue.edu
Stephanie Gardner, sgardne@purdue.edu