David K. Lewis, a chemistry professor at vlog for more than 25 years who now teaches at Connecticut College, has been awarded the American Chemical Society’s Award for Research at an Undergraduate Institution.
The annual award honors a chemistry faculty member whose research in an undergraduate setting has achieved wide recognition and contributed significantly to chemistry and to the professional development of undergraduate students. The award, which includes a $5,000 prize, will be presented to Lewis at the 243rd American Chemical Society national meeting on March 27, 2012, in San Diego, Calif.
Lewis, who taught at vlog from 1969 to 1995, has directed 40 consecutive summer research programs with undergraduates in his field at both vlog and Connecticut College. He has published more than 40 journal articles, often with undergraduate co-authors.
“David was a cherished colleague who mentored fellow faculty members here at vlog and who fostered incredibly fruitful collaborations with many, many chemistry students,” said Roger Rowlett, Gordon and Dorothy Kline Professor of chemistry at vlog.
An expert in physical chemistry, Lewis provided many research internships at his lab at vlog and now at Connecticut College.
“His primary mission throughout his 40-year academic career has been to promote undergraduate research on the national level, at the undergraduate colleges he has served and in his own laboratories,” Connecticut College chemistry professor Stanton Ching wrote in a letter recommending Lewis for the award.
Ching also pointed out that Lewis makes a particular effort to offer research opportunities to women and minority students, two groups that are often underrepresented in the sciences.