awardwinner
2015 EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG WOMEN IN CHEMISTRY AWARD
To encourage interest in chemistry among young women, Sigma Pi Reearch introduced a special recognition for high-achieving female high school students in the field of chemistry. Awardees receive a certificate from Sigma Pi Research and acknowledgment in The Iotan, the Society’s national publication.
This year, nominations came from teachers and mentors across the country. We are proud to honor the following 2015 recipients:
Deanna Bowman, Sebastian River High School, FL
Colleen Buckley, Barrington High School, IL
Christina Buffo, Westborough High School, MA
Claire Charpentier, Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, FL
Emily V. Emamzadeh, Mt. Lebanon High School, PA
Kathleen Giannini, Bishop Diego High School, CA
Isabella Hoed de Beche, Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, FL
Santha Langham, Hillcrest High School, AL
Morgan Mullen, East Palestine High School, OH
Nicole Ozdowski, Marple Newtown High School, PA
Emily Shell, Providence Classical Christian Academy, AR
Rachel Silverman, Sherwood High School, MD
Shannon Thomas, Arts High School, Newark Public, NJ
Amber Lynn Walton, Buena High School, CA
Laura J. Weber, Sheridan High School, OH
Sophia Weng, Conestoga High School, PA
Shayna Wolery, Cox Mill High School, NC
2015 AGNES FAY MORGAN RESEARCH AWARD
Dr. Jin Montclare, Associate Professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at NYU’s Polytechnic School of Engineering, also holds affiliations with the Biochemistry and Chemistry Departments at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and New York University. A first-generation Korean-American from the Bronx, Dr. Montclare studied chemistry at Fordham University, earning recognition as a Clare Boothe Luce and Goldwater Scholar. She contributed to mapping human chromosome 21 through research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and graduated summa cum laude in 1997.
She earned her Ph.D. in bioorganic chemistry at Yale University in 2003 as an NSF and Pfizer Predoctoral Fellow and completed postdoctoral work in protein chemistry at Caltech. Since 2005, she has been a faculty member at NYU.
Over the past decade, Dr. Montclare has mentored numerous postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate students, supervised high school internships, and directed outreach programs engaging over 600 students in advanced experiments at NYU and their schools.
Dr. Montclare has authored 49 publications, holds 1 patent, and has 5 patent applications. Her research has received over $6.3 million in funding from federal and non-federal sources. Her numerous awards include the Othmer Junior Fellowship, Weschler Award for Excellence, AFOSR Young Investigator Award, Dreyfus Special Grant, ACS PROGRESS/Dreyfus Lectureship, Jacobs Excellence in Education Award, and the Distinguished Award for Excellence.
Her dedication to mentoring and inclusion is remarkable: 40 of her 49 publications are co-authored by women and minority students, and 19 include undergraduates or high school students. Her students have collectively earned 102 awards and research fellowships, more than half of which went to women and underrepresented students.
Sigma Pi Research proudly honors Dr. Jin Montclare with the 2015 Agnes Fay Morgan Research Award for her outstanding contributions to research and mentorship.
2015 CENTENNIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN UNDERGRADUATE TEACHING
Dr. Anne Marteel-Parrish earned advanced degrees in Materials Science in France before completing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Toledo, Ohio. She is currently Associate Professor of Chemistry, Chair of the Department, and the Frank J. Creegan Chair in Green Chemistry at Washington College, MD, where she has taught since 2003.
Dr. Marteel-Parrish has been widely recognized for her innovative teaching, including the ACS Committee on Environmental Improvement Award for integrating sustainability into chemistry education, leadership in green chemistry education conferences, and the Washington College Alumni Association Award for Distinguished Teaching. She was also named to Faculty Row’s Top Faculty Members and is the inaugural holder of an endowed chair in green chemistry.
Her teaching has received enthusiastic praise from administrators and students alike for inspiring passion in scientific inquiry and guiding students toward leadership in their fields.
Sigma Pi Research is pleased to recognize Dr. Anne Marteel-Parrish’s teaching accomplishments with the 2015 Centennial Award.
2015 ANNA LOUISE HOFFMAN AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN GRADUATE RESEARCH
Kristen Brown is conducting innovative research in solar photovoltaics, focusing on next-generation materials and mechanisms of solar energy conversion. Her research advisor highlights her deep understanding of complex experimental techniques, including femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy, and her ability to enhance data collection methods.
Beyond the lab, Kristen contributes to advancing women in chemistry and STEM outreach through workshops and policy initiatives. She has demonstrated exceptional organizational skills and leadership, including revitalizing student organizations to promote science policy education.
Kristen Brown embodies the ideals of Sigma Pi Research, and her work promises significant contributions to science in the future.
2015 GLADYS ANDERSON EMERSON SCHOLARSHIP
Kori Sye is pursuing a Senior Honors Thesis in physical chemistry, using multiple spectroscopic methods to investigate the hydrolysis of inorganic compounds. Her academic excellence is complemented by her research initiative and leadership in founding a student organization promoting women in math and science, encouraging younger students to explore STEM.
As a first-generation college student, Kori is setting an inspiring example, demonstrating early success in research and active participation in scientific communities.
2015 UNDERGRADUATE EXCELLENCE AWARD
Sean Feng exhibits a strong passion for synthetic organic chemistry and mentoring others. Her dedication to science started at a young age and continued through rigorous undergraduate coursework and research, consistently performing at the top of her class in challenging graduate-level courses.
Faculty commend her exceptional ability to balance advanced research, learning, and outreach, positioning her as a role model for future scientists.
2015 UNDERGRADUATE EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR FIRST-GENERATION STUDENT
Christina Lollar overcame significant personal challenges to excel academically and pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry. Her commitment to mentoring disadvantaged and minority youth through outreach programs demonstrates both her scientific talent and dedication to community impact.
Her research achievements, including publications and presentations, and her engagement in leadership and educational programs, make her an exemplary recipient of this award.