Michael A. Bender, John L. Hennessy Professor of Computer Science at Stony Brook University, has been elected as a 2024 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Bender joins 470 other distinguished scientists in this year's Fellows class, recognized for their scientifically and socially distinguished achievements.

Bender is honored for his “distinguished contributions to the foundations of data structures and their applications.” Bender made pioneering contributions to data structures and algorithms, particularly in cache-oblivious algorithms, I/O-efficient computing, and database systems. His research has significantly advanced computer science with practical applications in managing large datasets.

Bender's career spans both academia and entrepreneurship. His innovations in cache-oblivious B-trees and fractal tree indexes revolutionized database operations and later became the foundation for commercial products when he co-founded Tokutek, acquired by Percona in 2015.

With degrees from Harvard University and École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Bender has authored over 175 articles in premier computer science publications, garnering more than 10,000 citations. His research encompasses data structures, algorithms, scheduling, databases, and parallel computing.

"I am deeply honored to be recognized as an AAAS Fellow," said Bender. "I’m especially grateful for the collaborative efforts of many brilliant students, colleagues, and industry partners who have contributed to advancing our field."

This honor adds to Bender's accolades, which include ACM Distinguished Member (2020), EATCS Fellow (2023), an R&D 100 Award, a Test-of-Time award, and multiple teaching excellence awards.

"Being named as a Fellow of AAAS is a tremendous distinction for our most accomplished scientists, engineers, and innovators, who make significant contributions in advancing science for its impact on society," said Sudip S. Parikh, Ph.D., chief executive officer at AAAS.

Established in 1874, the AAAS Fellows program recognizes members whose efforts on behalf of the advancement of science or its applications are scientifically or socially distinguished. 

“Our faculty continue to make contributions to the field of computer science and shape the technology underpinning the society we live in,” said Samir Das, professor and chair of the Department of Computer Science at Stony Brook University. “This recognition acknowledges  Michael’s long-standing contributions in algorithm design, and we are deeply proud of him.”

The 2024 AAAS Fellows will be formally announced in Science on March 27, 2025.

-By Yuganshu Jain