Researcher earns scientific recognition Published Nov. 14, 2007 By Maria Callier Air Force Office of Scientific Research Public Affairs ARLINGTON, Va. -- For distinguished contributions to the fields of chemistry and biochemistry, an Air Force Office of Scientific Research program manager was named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, or AAAS. According to a Nov. 7 news release, the association honored Dr. Hugh C. DeLong for his efforts "particularly in the management of the areas of corrosion, ionic liquids, and directed self-assembly." Election as a Fellow is an honor bestowed upon AAAS members by their peers. In 2007, AAAS honored 471 people because of their scientific or socially distinguishable efforts to advance science or its applications. Air Force officials say the service has significantly benefited from Dr. DeLong's research. His coatings and corrosion work resulted in producing paint that is on current (F-15, C-17) and future aircraft (F-35). Currently he is focused on having ionic liquids improve the manufacturability of nanocomposites. "I am hopeful future research would solve the problem of repair, and that systems would self-repair any damage sustained," Dr. DeLong said. "The ionic liquid work will give us access to materials that are too difficult to manufacture currently and that will give the Air Force more options for materials performance." New Fellows will receive an official certificate and a gold and blue (representing science and engineering, respectively) rosette pin in February 2008 during the AAAS meeting in Boston.