Ohio University Names Presidential
Research Scholars
Contact: Andrea Gibson, (740) 597-2166, gibsona@ohio.edu
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ATHENS, Ohio (July 20, 2000) -- Three faculty members -- a chemist, a sociologist and an
anatomist -- have been named Presidential Research Scholars by Ohio
University President Robert Glidden, part of an effort to support research,
scholarship and creative activity at the university.
The faculty members are Gary Small, professor of chemistry; Ann Tickamyer,
professor of sociology and anthropology; and Joseph Eastman, professor of
anatomy.
The awards recognize faculty members for their outstanding achievements in
research, scholarship and creative activity and encourage future
contributions to their disciplines. Each recipient receives $4,000 per year
and retains the title of Presidential Research Scholar for five years.
Ohio University President Robert Glidden selected the recipients based on
recommendations by the university's Council for Research, Scholarship and
Creative Activity.
"Each of these professors has made a significant contribution to his or
her field of study," Glidden said. "This award recognizes the outstanding
work of these individuals, and it also represents Ohio University's
commitment to excellence in research, scholarship and creative activities."
Small, who joined the university in 1991, is developing sensors for
measuring blood glucose levels in diabetics and for detecting environmental
hazards. These sensors use infrared light, which is harmless to humans, to
identify chemical compounds. His award will support the development of a
blood glucose test for diabetic patients that does not require needles and
a new monitor for airborne pollutants for use in industry. Small's research
also is supported by Inverness Medical Technology, the U.S. Army Edgewood
Chemical Biological Center and the National Institutes of Health.
Tickamyer, a faculty member at the university since 1996, studies how
families and communities respond to social and economic change. She will
use the award for an ongoing project to study the effects of welfare reform
in Appalachian Ohio, an effort also supported by the Joyce Foundation and
the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The award also will further Tickamyer's
research on the status of women in rural Javanese villages in Indonesia.
Eastman, a professor at Ohio University for 21 years, explores the
evolution and diversification of Antarctic fish and their role in the
Antarctic marine ecosystem. His research has led to the identification of
four new fish species in Antarctica. Eastman will use the award to support
his collection and description of new species, which also is supported by
the National Science Foundation.
The Council for Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity created the
Presidential Research Scholar Award in 1999. Recipients are nominated by
members of subcommittees of the council and faculty from around campus and
selected by the president.
"Research, scholarship and creative activity are very important aspects of
the university mission," said John A. Bantle, vice president for research.
"These awards demonstrate Ohio University's commitment to a dynamic
learning environment."
The council was created in 1997 as part of a universitywide effort to
support existing research and creative endeavors and to promote new faculty
and student initiatives. The 13 faculty and staff members on the council
were appointed by the president and serve three-year terms.
In addition to the Presidential Research Scholar Award program, the
council conducts an annual assessment of university research for the
president, provost and vice president for research. It also awards
scholarships to support student work and informs internal and external
audiences about the research and creative efforts under way at Ohio
University.
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