AN ALUMNA of the Silliman University was one of five Michigan State University honorees featured by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Dr. Evangelyn Evangelyn Alocilja was selected as a fellow in engineering for her outstanding contributions in biosystems engineering, biosensors, materials, microtech and low-cost, easy-to-read infectious disease tests.

Alocilja was also honored for teaching, outstanding mentoring, advancing diversity and supporting international programs in science and engineering.

“Being elected as an AAAS Fellow is a tremendous honor and a humbling experience for me. I thank God for this unexpected recognition. I also thank my students for their hard work, my colleagues for their encouragement and my family for their support,” she said.

Founded in 1848, AAAS is the world’s largest general scientific society. In 1874, the society started recognizing distinguished individuals as fellows for their contributions to science and society.

“The AAAS mission of ‘advancing science, serving society’ encapsulates my passion and will continue to guide my future endeavors,” she added.

Alocilja is an MSU professor at the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the College of Engineering.

She graduated cum laude with a degree in BS Chemistry from SU in 1973. She received her Outstanding Sillimanian Award in the field of Biosystems Engineering in 2013.

Currently, Alocilja is the president of the SU Acacia Alumni Chapter of Michigan and Ohio in USA.