For their contributions to the field of mathematics, 20 Cornell faculty members have been elected to the inaugural class of fellows of the American Mathematical Society (AMS).

The designation recognizes members who have "made outstanding contributions to the creation, exposition, advancement, communication and utilization of mathematics," according to the AMS.

Elected as fellows were professors of mathematics Louis Billera, Kenneth Brown, Robert Connelly, R. Keith Dennis, Leonard Gross, John Guckenheimer, Anil Nerode, Laurent Saloff-Coste, Richard Shore, John Smillie, Birgit Speh, Karen Vogtmann and James West. Also elected were professor of computer science Eva Tardos; associate professor of mathematics Tara Holm and Justin Moore; professors emeritus of mathematics Eugene Dynkin, Clifford Earle and Harry Kesten; and professor emeritus of engineering Juris Hartmanis.

This is the first year the AMS has elected fellows; the inaugural class of 1,119 fellows represent more than 600 institutions.

Founded in 1888 to further mathematical research and scholarship, the 30,000-member AMS fulfills its mission through programs and services that promote mathematical research and its uses, strengthen mathematical education and foster awareness and appreciation of mathematics and its connections to other disciplines and everyday life.