Sceleb | Feryal Özel

Feryal Özel is a Turkish astrophysicist. Özel completed her BS in Physics and Applied Mathematics at Columbia in 1996 and her MS in Physics in 1997 at the Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen. She received her Phd in Astrophysics from Harvard University in 2002. Özel is currently an Associate Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Arizona. She is the recipient of many awards and fellowships and published numerous articles on a variety of topics. Özel is also very interested in sustainable energy and participates in the Arizona Research Institute for Solar Energy (ARISE).

In addition to her academic work, Özel has written articles for mainstream press and appeared on CNN International and several TV shows including the Universe series on History Channel and Big Ideas on PBS. Özel also worked with Louis Vuitton as a spokesperson to support women's literacy in the Middle East. In 2010, Özel also served as a spokesperson for a Louis Vuitton women's literacy campaign. 

Özel has been on our Stylish Scientist List since 2012. She was also added to our PISA List and Citizens of the Next Century List in 2013.

RobotWatch | Achilles Walks the Walk

University of Arizona robotics engineers Theresa Klein and Anthony Lewis published a paper in the July 2012 issue of Journal of Engineering on their robot Achilles that has mastered the art and science of walking. Achilles doesn't just walk like a human though, the the robot has neural and musculoskeletal features that are based on human biology and mobility as well. That's one small step for man, one giant leap for robots.

Below is a video of Achilles in action:

Sceleb | Wallace "J" Nichols

Wallace J. Nichols (aka "J") is an American marine biologist, conservation activist, and outdoor enthusiast. He earned a BS in Biological Sciences from DePauw University in 1989, a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University in 1992, and a PhD in Wildlife and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Arizona in 2003.

Nichols is currently a a Research Associate at California Academy of Sciences and founder/co-director of Ocean Revolution, an international network of young ocean advocates and LiVEBLUE. He is particularly active in Pacific Sea Turtle conservation efforts and sustainable fisheries. Nichols has helped start many conservation nonprofits and projects and is a frequent contributor to mainstream magazines and websites. When not championing marine conservation, you might find Nichols swimming, hiking, kayaking, trail running, fixing up vintage trucks, or surfing.