The Dreyfus Foundation awarded Professor Emeritus of Physics and Chemistry Esther M. Conwell the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Senior Scientist Mentor Award.
“It’s always very nice to receive an award,” Conwell said. “The number of undergraduates who wish to pursue advanced degrees in both physics and chemistry are decreasing.”
Conwell was named one of the top 50 most important female scientists by the Discover Magazine in 2002.
This award is given to an emeritus faculty member who is an excellent mentor and adviser to talented undergraduate scientists.
Conwell will receive a $20,000 grant to encourage talented undergraduates to go into doctorate studies in both chemistry and physics.
“The grant serves as a catalyst for the interaction of students with Professor Conwell,” Professor of Chemistry William D. Jones said. “Since she doesn’t teach formal courses, there has been no direct mechanism for students to get to know and interact with her.”
With the $20,000 grant, both the chemistry and physics departments will be able to provide those students working with Conwell with necessary supplies.
This is crucial for students pursuing their research and projects, including obtaining more computer facilities and advanced materials.
“It is very important to encourage talented undergraduate scientists into these fields of studies and to demonstrate the products of hard work,” Conwell said.
Conwell received recognitions in both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering for her work with electric signals and their affects toward the movement of electrons in semiconductors.
She is the only faculty member at UR to hold two of the most prestigious memberships in the field of science and engineering.
“I believe Professor Conwell will be a marvelous adviser for undergraduates,” Jones said. “She has a strong interest in inspiring young people, especially women, to go into science, and she will work with students in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.”
Conwell is the first female recipient of the esteemed Edison Award, given by the Institute of the Electrical Engineers.
“It’s very pleasant and stimulating to teach undergraduate students,” Conwell said.
Future of United Nations discussed at meeting
A town hall style meeting on “The United Nations and Global Security” was hosted in Hoyt Auditorium on March 2.
The meeting was part of a national series on the future of the U.N.
“The event [looked] at how the United Nations, and the international system more broadly, can be reformed to better meet the security needs of the 21st century,” Executive Director of Americans for Informed Democracy Seth Green said.
The event discussed concerns such as what the role of the U.N. is in ensuring reforms on these issues.
It featured John Kenneth Galbraith Fellow at Americans for Democratic Action Eugene B. Kogan and Executive Vice President of Citizens for Global Solutions Don Kraus.
Free pizza was served.
Americans for Informed Democracy is an SA-recognized group that seeks to promote discussion and create dialogue about international affairs as they affect UR and the Rochester community.
Reporting by Yosuke Aoyama and Shweta Krishnan.
