Chris Impey | Education | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic Achievements

Prof. Chris Impey | Education | Best Researcher Award

Pro.Chris Impey Education at University of Arizona, United States

Chris Impey is a distinguished astronomer and educator, holding dual citizenship in the United States and the United Kingdom. He earned a B.Sc. in Physics with First Class Honors from the University of London and a Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Edinburgh, where his research focused on polarization studies of BL Lac objects. His academic career includes appointments at prestigious institutions such as CERN, the University of Hawaii, Caltech, and the University of Arizona, where he has served as a professor and held numerous leadership roles including Deputy Department Head and Associate Dean of the College of Science. Impey is a University Distinguished Professor and has received numerous accolades for his teaching and science communication, including the NSF Distinguished Teaching Scholar Award and the American Astronomical Society Education Prize. He is an accomplished author, a dedicated science communicator, and an active participant in various scientific organizations and advisory boards. His entrepreneurial ventures include founding companies and nonprofits that bridge science, technology, and public engagement.

Professional Profile:

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Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award: Chris Impey

Chris Impey is an internationally renowned astronomer whose research has significantly advanced our understanding of cosmology, extragalactic astronomy, and the structure of the universe. With a Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh and a prolific academic career spanning over four decades, Dr. Impey has held distinguished positions at premier institutions including the University of Arizona and Princeton University. His work is widely cited and respected, reflecting both depth and breadth across multiple astronomical domains.

🎓 Education

  • B.Sc. in Physics – University of London, 1977 (First Class Honors) 🧠📘

  • Ph.D. in Astronomy – University of Edinburgh, 1981 🪐🔭

    • Thesis: Polarization Studies of BL Lac Objects

    • Advisors: R.D. Wolstencroft & P.W.J.L. Brand

  • Languages: Spanish 🇪🇸 (strong), Italian 🇮🇹 & French 🇫🇷 (fair)

💼 Work Experience / Appointments

  • 🧪 Research Assistant – CERN, Geneva (1977)

  • 🌌 Research Assistant – Univ. of Edinburgh & Royal Observatory (1977–1981)

  • 🌴 Research Associate – Univ. of Hawaii (1981–1983)

  • 🌠 Weingart Fellow – Caltech (1983–1986)

  • 👨‍🏫 Assistant Professor – Univ. of Arizona (1986–1991)

  • 📚 Associate Professor – Univ. of Arizona (1991–1996)

  • 🚀 Associate Director – NASA Space Grant, Univ. of Arizona (1991–1995)

  • 🛰️ Visiting Professor – Univ. of Washington (1995–1996)

  • 🌟 Professor – Univ. of Arizona (1996–2000)

  • 🧭 Deputy Dept. Head – Univ. of Arizona (1999–2016, 2024–2025)

  • 🏅 University Distinguished Professor – Since 2000

  • 🎓 Honors Professor – Univ. of Arizona (Since 2010)

  • 🧑‍🏫 Visiting Professor – Princeton University (2011–2012)

  • 🔬 STEM Co-Director – Univ. of Arizona (2013–2016)

  • 🏛️ Associate Dean – College of Science, Univ. of Arizona (2016–2020)

  • 🌍 Visiting Scholar – Imperial College London (2019)

🏆 Awards & Honors

  • 🥇 NATO/SERC Fellowship (1981–1983)

  • 🥇 Weingart Fellowship (1983–1985)

  • 🌠 Dudley Observatory Award (1990)

  • 🌌 Slipher Award – NAS (1998)

  • 🎓 NSF Distinguished Teaching Scholar (2002)

  • 👨‍🏫 Arizona Professor of the Year – Carnegie Foundation (2002)

  • 🌟 Vice President – American Astronomical Society (2003–2006)

  • 🧑‍🔬 Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar (2006–2007)

  • 🛸 Emmons Award – College Astronomy Teaching (2007)

  • 🧬 AAAS Fellow (2009)

  • 🏫 Stanley Kelley Visiting Professor – Princeton (2011–2012)

  • 🪐 AAO Distinguished Visitor (2014)

  • 📚 Eugene Emme Literature Award – AAS (2014)

  • 🧪 HHMI Professor (2014–2019)

  • 🎤 Gresham College Lecturer, London (2016)

  • 🌟 Klumpke-Roberts Award – Public Astronomy Outreach (2016)

  • ⭐ AAS Legacy Fellow (2019)

  • 📖 AAS Education Prize (2021)

  • 🏞️ Bellagio Center Residency – Rockefeller Foundation (2022)

  • 🌐 Fulbright Specialist – U.S. State Dept (2022–2026)

  • 🎥 Science Communication Award – Olomouc Film Festival (2023)

  • ✍️ 1st Prize, Astrobiology SciComm Writing Contest (2024)

  • 🧑‍🚀 Visionary Scientists Award – Cosmologists Without Borders (2024)

  • 🏅 Finalist, Cosmos Prize – International Book Award (2025)

Publication Top Notes:

Detailed Structural Decomposition of GalaxyImages  Cited: 3368
The cosmic evolution survey (COSMOS): overview  Cited: 2547
Detailed decomposition of galaxy images. II. Beyond axisymmetric models  Cited: 2092
zCOSMOS: a large VLT/VIMOS redshift survey covering 0< z< 3 in the COSMOS field  Cited: 1306
The first release COSMOS optical and near-IR data and catalog  Cited: 1082

Conclusion:

Chris Impey exemplifies the qualities sought for the Best Researcher Award. His pioneering contributions to astrophysics, outstanding educational leadership, and exceptional commitment to public science literacy mark him as a global leader in his field. Recognizing Dr. Impey with this award would honor not only his distinguished career but also his transformative influence on both the scientific community and society at large.

 

Ida Poljanšek – Wood science- Best Researcher  – Award Winner 2023

Posted on by Academic Achievements
Congratulations to Ida Poljanšek - Wood science- Best Researcher  - Award Winner 2023
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ida Poljanšek :

Dr. Ida Poljanšek is a highly accomplished individual with a strong academic background in Chemical Engineering. Her educational journey includes earning a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, in 2001. Her doctoral thesis focused on the polymerization of vinyl monomers with biphosphine initiators, showcasing her expertise in the field.She further expanded her academic credentials with a Master of Science (MSc) in Chemical Technology from the same university in 1994.

professional profile:

Early Academic Pursuits:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ida Poljanšek's academic journey began with her Bachelor's degree in Chemical Technology from the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology at the University of Ljubljana in 1990. She continued her education with a Master's degree in Chemical Technology, where her research focused on the synthesis of sulbactam and the exploration of new beta-lactam inhibitors. This laid the foundation for her future contributions in the field.

Her academic journey reached its pinnacle with a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Ljubljana in 2001. Her doctoral thesis, centered around the polymerization of vinyl monomers with biphosphine initiators, showcased her early expertise and interest in polymer chemistry.

Professional Endeavors:

Ida Poljanšek's professional career is marked by her longstanding affiliation with the University of Ljubljana. Starting in 1990, she served at the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology until 2007, highlighting her commitment to academia. Subsequently, she contributed to the National Institute of Chemistry, specifically in the Laboratory for Polymer Chemistry and Technology from 2007 to 2010. Her continued dedication to education and research is evident in her current position at the University of Ljubljana, specifically in the Biotechnical Faculty's Department of Wood Science and Technology since 2010.

Contributions and Research Focus:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ida Poljanšek has significantly contributed to the field of polymer chemistry and technology. Her research has spanned the synthesis and characterization of natural and synthetic polymers, with a recent emphasis on nanocellulose. Her work involves the production of nanofibrillated cellulose and its applications in composites within synthetic and natural polymer matrices. Additionally, she has explored the extraction of valuable organic compounds from wood, showcasing a multidisciplinary approach in her contributions.

Her involvement in (inter-)national projects, conferences, and academic visits underlines her commitment to advancing knowledge in polymer science, characterization, and the development of new materials and products.

Accolades and Recognition:

Throughout her career, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ida Poljanšek has received recognition for her outstanding contributions. Notably, she was honored with the KRKA award in 1990 for her scientific work on the synthesis of cephalosporine antibiotics. In 1997, she secured the first prize for a lecture by young researchers, further attesting to the impact of her work.

Impact and Influence:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ida Poljanšek's impact is evident in her extensive publication record, comprising over 59 scientific articles, with 48 published in journals with impact factors. Her mentorship and supervision have played a crucial role in shaping the academic journey of numerous students, as reflected in the recognition received by some of them, such as the Faculty Prešeren Award for a Master's thesis.

Legacy and Future Contributions:

Ida Poljanšek's legacy lies in her substantial contributions to the understanding of polymers and their applications. As an Associate Professor at the University of Ljubljana, she continues to shape the next generation of researchers through her mentorship and academic leadership. Her future contributions are likely to build upon her established expertise, potentially pushing the boundaries of polymer science and wood technology. The ongoing focus on nanocellulose and sustainable materials suggests a commitment to addressing contemporary challenges in materials science

Employment:

  • 1990 – 2007: University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology
  • 2007 – 2010: National Institute of Chemistry, Laboratory for Polymer Chemistry and Technology
  • 2010 - Present: University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Wood Science and Technology

Academic and Professional Activities:

  • Research and characterization of natural and synthetic polymers.
  • Main focus on the synthesis of well-defined polymers and their properties.
  • Recent research on nanocellulose, nanofibrillated cellulose production, and its application in composites.
  • Research on the extraction of valuable organic compounds from wood.
  • Involvement in (inter-)national projects on polymer synthesis, characterization, and development of new materials/products.

International Experience:

  • Visits to Bayer, Leverkusen, Germany (1991) and Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA (1995).
  • Participation in ACHEMA conferences (2000, 2003).
  • Academic visits to Akademi University in Finland (2012) and Centre of Polymer Systems, Tomas Bata University in Zlin, Czech Republic (2022).

Web Content:

  • Detailed information available in COBISS: COBISS Link

Notable Publication:

Characterization of phenol-formaldehyde prepolymer resins by in line FT-IR spectroscopy

Application of liquefied wood as a new particle board adhesive system

The transesterification of rapeseed and waste sunflower oils: mass-transfer and kinetics in a laboratory batch reactor and in an industrial-scale reactor/separator setup

Characterization of phenol–urea–formaldehyde resin by inline FTIR spectroscopy

Analyzing TEMPO-oxidized cellulose fiber morphology: new insights into optimization of the oxidation process and nanocellulose dispersion quality

Transformation of Indigo carmine by Phanerochaete chrysosporium ligninolytic enzymes

Morphological, thermal, and structural aspects of dried and redispersed nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC)

Evaluation of an environmental profile comparison for nanocellulose production and supply chain by applying different life cycle assessment methods

Evaluation of selective extraction methods for recovery of polyphenols from pine