UNL Sigma Xi chapter announces 2006 award winners

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln chapter of Sigma Xi, the science and engineering honorary society, has announced the winners of its 2006 awards for outstanding research, outstanding science librarian and outstanding science teaching. Four individuals, three UNL faculty members and one high school science teacher, will be honored at the organization's annual awards and initiation banquet April 19.

David J. Sellmyer, George Holmes university professor of physics and director of the Center for Materials Research and Analysis, has been selected for an Outstanding Scientist Award for his international distinction in the study of magnetic properties of solids. His research has ranged form the elucidation of the properties of permanent magnets, to highly novel multilayered structures of great importance, to the development of high-density recording media, to nanoscale magnetic systems.

Donald Weeks, professor and head of the Department of Biochemistry and director of the Center for Biological Chemistry, also has been selected for an Outstanding Scientist Award for his contributions to understanding the mechanisms underlying the carbon concentrating mechanism of algal cells, a mechanism that is essential for allowing over one-half of all photosynthesis on earth. His research includes the recent discovery and characterization of a molecule transporter of inorganic carbon that provides the photosynthetic apparatus with carbon dioxide to fuel stored energy production.

Leslie Delserone, lecturer with the University Libraries, was selected for the Outstanding Science Librarian Award. She was cited "for her excellent leadership on the UNL Libraries' effort to integrate information literacy into the undergraduate curriculum of the School of Biological Sciences."

Susan Frack of Lincoln North Star High School was selected for the Outstanding High School Science Teacher Award. She was cited in recognition of her contributions in a myriad of activities, including service resulting in the creation of the Nebraska Earth Systems Education Network and as a research associate in the Sandhills Biocomplexity Project.

CONTACT:Merlin Lawson, Sigma Xi Chapter President, (402) 472-2418