Dr. Sherry J. Yennello is University Distinguished Professor, Regents Professor of Chemistry, Director of the Cyclotron Institute, and holder of the Bright Chair in Nuclear Science at Texas A&M University. A fellow of the American Chemical Society (2011), the American Physical Society (2005), and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2013) Yennello’s many awards include the ACS’s Glenn T. Seaborg Award for Nuclear Chemistry (2021), ACS’s Francis P. Garvan-John M. Olin Medal (2011), Southeastern Universities Research Association Distinguished Scientist Award (2023), the Texas A&M Women’s Faculty Network Outstanding Mentor Award (2010), the Texas A&M Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching at both the university and college levels (2012 and 2008, respectively), the Texas A&M Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award in Administration (2019), The APS Division of Nuclear Physics Mentoring Award (2017), the Sigma Xi National Young Investigator Award (2000), the NSF Young Investigator Award (1994), the Oak Ridge Junior Faculty Enhancement Award (1993) and the General Electric Faculty for the Future Award (1993). Yennello earned her Ph.D. from Indiana University in 1990. Her research on the nuclear equation-of-state impacts such fundamental questions as, “What is the origin of the elements?” and “How are neutron-rich and heavy nuclei synthesized in the core of a star during stellar evolution?” Her areas of interest include equity and access to education and professional advancement for all, including both creating opportunities and motivating students to take advantage of opportunities that are available. She strives to motivate current stakeholders to be agents of change.