ChemNews - Department of Chemistry - University of Minnesota

Faculty Awards 2008by Chris LundbyEdgar ArriagaFesler-LampertChair in AgingStudies (U of M)2007-08In 1999, the Chairwas created by the Centeron Aging with supportfrom the Universityof Minnesota Graduate School and the generosityof David and Elizabeth Fesler. This endowed chairfunds researchers and scholars who wish to obtain upto a year’s release time or other support to pursue anaging related project. Arriaga credits the Scientists inAging Research group with inspiring his present interests,applying his training in Analytical Chemistryand Electrophysiology with the realization that hisresearch is developing the analytical tools to overcomeseveral difficulties in investigating the role ofmitochondria in aging. Arriaga is the first chemistryfaculty to hold this chair.Dave BlankCharles E. BowersFaculty TeachingAward (2008)The Charles E. BowersFaculty Teaching Awardwas established in 2000by alumnus John Bowers(Physics '76) in honor ofhis father, Professor Emeritus Charles E. Bowers,this award recognizes an outstanding IT professorwho has demonstrated exceptional interest and commitmentto teaching.A former student of Professor Blank’s wrotein her supporting nomination letter, “Professor Blanktaught me that although concepts may be tough, justlike life, through hard work and a conscious focusedeffort any obstacle may be overcome. I believe thatthis is what makes him such a motivational professor,and even more significant, an inspirational humanbeing. He encouraged his students to be passionateabout their academic work, and challenged us to applyacademic concepts to our surroundings, research,and academia. For all of the preceding accretions andmany more that are not divulged in this letter, I believethat Professor David Blank rightly deserves this awardfor his excellence in teaching and outstanding reputationwith his peers and students.” Blank joins WaylandNoland (2006) in receiving the Bowers Award.Christy HaynesNSF Faculty EarlyCareer DevelopmentAward (2007)The Faculty Early Career Development(CAREER) Programis a Foundation-wideactivity that offers the NationalScience Foundation's most prestigious awardsin support of junior faculty who exemplify the role ofteacher-scholars through outstanding research, excellenteducation and the integration of education andresearch within the context of the mission of their organizations.Other faculty receiving this award includeMark Distefano (1994), Andreas Stein (1997), MarcHillmyer (2001), Kris McNeill (2003), and Lee Penn(2004).Ken LeopoldInstitute of TechnologyTaylor DistinguishedProfessorshipThese Taylor Professorships,awarded by the Institute of Technology,were created to encourageand recognize the college'sbest and most dedicated undergraduateeducators. Anyone who has worked with Kenknows that he is richly deserving of this recognition.Ken joins Gary Gray (2000) as a Chemistry recipientcontinued on page 14Page 11