Anita Hopper, a professor of molecular genetics, has been named a 2025 Distinguished University Professor, the highest faculty honor at The Ohio State University.
“Professor Hopper’s career is inspiring, and her contributions to our understanding of RNA are profound,” said Ravi V. Bellamkonda, executive vice president and provost. “I am proud of her remarkable dedication to Ohio State and the scientific community through her prolific research, teaching excellence and commitment to nurturing new generations of scientist-scholars.”
Hopper's groundbreaking research has significantly advanced the understanding of transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) biogenesis and processing. She was the first to discover mutants that accumulate unspliced tRNAs, a finding that has paved the way for numerous biochemical assays in tRNA splicing. Her recent work has identified more than 140 novel proteins involved in tRNA intron turnover and nuclear/cytoplasmic bidirectional movement, providing new insights into tRNA biogenesis.
Throughout her career, Hopper has published more than 120 peer-reviewed papers and has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health since 1976. Her exceptional contributions to science have been recognized with numerous awards, including election to the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Academy of Microbiology and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She received the Lifetime Achievement in Science Award from the RNA Society and received Ohio State’s Distinguished Scholar Award in 2012.
In addition to her research, Hopper is a dedicated educator, having mentored dozens of postdoctoral fellows, graduate, undergraduate and high school students. Her redesigned course, Molecular Genetics 2220H, has become a cornerstone of the undergraduate program.
Hopper has also made significant contributions to the university's administration and governance. She served as chair of the Department of Molecular Genetics from 2006 to 2014 and has been an active member on several key committees, including the steering committee of the Ohio State Center for RNA Biology. She has held leadership roles in several professional organizations, including serving as president of the RNA Society and secretary of the Genetics Society of America. Her contributions have had a lasting impact on the field of RNA biology and beyond. She began her Ohio State career in 2006.
Distinguished University Professor is a permanent, honorific title awarded annually to no more than three tenure-track professors who have been at Ohio State for at least five years and have demonstrated truly exceptional records in teaching, research, scholarly or creative work and in service. Distinguished University Professors automatically become members of the President's and Provost's Advisory Committee. In addition, recipients are awarded a $30,000 one-time grant to support their academic work. Hopper received a surprise classroom visit from university leadership announcing the award and will be recognized at the annual Faculty Awards Celebration on April 25.