LSU College of Science Hall of Distinction Honorees

Michael L. Cherry, PhD - Professor Emeritus, LSU Department of Physics & Astronomy

Dr. Michael L. Cherry is a leading figure in high-energy astrophysics whose work helped establish LSU as a national presence in space science. His research has advanced understanding of the galaxy through the detection of gamma rays, high-energy cosmic particles, and neutrinos.

Cherry earned his PhD from the University of Chicago and joined LSU in 1988, becoming a full professor in 1993. Over more than three decades, his research spanned underground experiments detecting solar neutrinos and space-based missions measuring cosmic rays aboard the International Space Station. He contributed to major international collaborations, including the Soviet-American Gallium Experiment (SAGE), which helped launch neutrino oscillation studies, and the CALorimetric Electron Telescope (CALET) mission on the ISS. His work has also produced important discoveries in gamma-ray astronomy, black hole systems, and terrestrial gamma-ray flashes.

Cherry authored more than 125 peer-reviewed articles and over 400 publications, with more than 16,000 citations. As PI or co-PI on approximately 80 grants totaling $25 million, he played a central role in building LSU’s research capacity in astrophysics while mentoring students and postdoctoral researchers.

He also provided significant leadership at LSU, serving as chair of both the Department of Physics & Astronomy and the Department of Chemistry. His efforts in faculty recruitment, collaboration, and program development strengthened research across disciplines and expanded partnerships with institutions including Southern University.

Through his research, leadership, and mentorship, Dr. Michael L. Cherry has made a lasting impact on LSU and the field of astrophysics. 

Cynthia B. Peterson, PhD - Dean Emerita, LSU College of Science

Dr. Cynthia B. Peterson is a visionary leader and distinguished biochemist whose tenure as dean transformed the LSU College of Science and strengthened its impact in research, education, and student success.

Peterson served as dean from 2014 to 2025, becoming the first woman to lead the College. During her tenure, she oversaw the recruitment of more than 100 faculty members, led major growth in extramural research funding, and developed the College of Science Master Plan, which laid the foundation for the new Our Lady of the Lake Health Interdisciplinary Science Building. She secured broad support from the state, healthcare partners, and private donors to bring this vision to life and position the College for long-term growth.

A champion of student success, Peterson launched the freshman seminar “Becoming a Scientist,” now serving more than 1,000 students annually, and established the Office of Academic Innovation and Engagement. She advanced programs such as SCI-Lead and FACES to support leadership development, mentorship, and inclusive learning environments. As principal investigator of the LSU Beckman Scholars Program and a leader in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Driving Change initiative, she expanded access to undergraduate research and promoted inclusive excellence in STEM. She also led the development of new academic programs, including an interdisciplinary major in Applied Data Science, and strengthened the College’s focus on science communication.

An accomplished scientist, Peterson’s research on serine protease inhibitors has advanced understanding of blood clotting, inflammation, and cancer-related processes.

Through her leadership, scholarship, and commitment to students and faculty, Dr. Cynthia B. Peterson has left a lasting legacy on LSU. 

Thomas C. Shirley, PhD - Alumnus, LSU Department of Biological Sciences

Dr. Thomas C. Shirley is an internationally recognized marine scientist whose career has advanced understanding of marine invertebrate biology, deep-sea ecosystems, and fisheries science. A distinguished LSU alumnus, he is also widely recognized for his commitment to mentorship and philanthropy.

Together with his wife, Susan Shirley (MS, LSU), he has made significant contributions to higher education, including a transformative legacy gift to support graduate student travel in LSU’s Department of Biological Sciences. The Shirleys have created similar programs at other institutions, reflecting a long-standing dedication to student success.

Shirley earned his PhD from LSU in 1982 and went on to hold faculty positions at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, where he served as the Endowed Chair of Biodiversity and Conservation Science. He retired in 2013 as professor emeritus and is also recognized as professor emeritus at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

His research spans marine ecology, physiology, and deep-sea systems, including seamount ecosystems and commercially important crustaceans. He led numerous deep-ocean expeditions using the DSV Alvin submersible, contributing to foundational discoveries and informing fisheries management, particularly in Alaska.

Shirley published 172 peer-reviewed articles and mentored more than 30 graduate students. He also served as director of the Division of Fisheries at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and contributed broadly to scientific leadership and service.

Through his research, mentorship, leadership, and philanthropy, Dr. Thomas C. Shirley has made lasting contributions to marine science and to LSU.