Biochemist Billy Hudson on his awards, his Aspirnauts and his own self-care

At 84, biochemist Billy Hudson is still at it, researching collagen and kidney function. He's been named as a 2026 medal of honor recipient by the Ellis Island Honors Society. An unlikely pioneer in the field of nephrology, Hudson endured poverty and abuse in rural Arkansas, not even finishing high school before he found himself on a welcoming college campus. After a successful research career, he's spent the last two decades trying to make a path to higher education for kids like himself through a program he started with his wife and siblings called Aspirnaut. Not until he was working with kids whose stories rivaled his own trauma did he start dealing with it in a meaningful way. Note: The details of Hudson's story are somewhat graphic and there is some mention of thoughts of suicide.Further Reading: After Escaping 'Torture' and Poverty as a Kid, Professor Has Helped Thousands of Struggling Students Arkansas scientist behind 'magic' school bus expands learning opportunities for kids Ellis Island Medal of Honor 2026 recipients