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Kelly Wiemann
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wiemannk@umsystem.edu
Award recognizes faculty who exhibit exceptional promise as demonstrated through scholarship, research or creativity
COLUMBIA, Mo. 鈥� 欧美口爆视频 of Missouri 欧美口爆视频 Interim Chief of Staff David Russell today awarded the third of ten UM 欧美口爆视频 President鈥檚 Awards to be presented to faculty in 2017 to Justin Walensky, associate professor of chemistry at the 欧美口爆视频 of Missouri-Columbia.
Russell鈥攁ccompanied by MU Provost Garnett Stokes and MU Interim Vice Chancellor for Research, Graduate Studies and Economic Development Mark McIntosh鈥攕urprised Walensky with the President鈥檚 Award for Early Career Excellence while he was teaching a course. The award, which includes a $5,000 prize, recognizes faculty who exhibit exceptional promise within their first seven years with the university as demonstrated through scholarship, research or creativity.
Walensky joined MU鈥檚 faculty in 2011 and has already been granted early tenure for his accomplishments. In addition to teaching introductory and advanced chemistry classes, he has revived a dormant line of research at the MU Research Reactor using actinides, studying how electrons are bonded between two atoms. The research may lead to new breakthroughs in how to recycle spent nuclear fuel.
鈥淛ustin has helped revive Missouri鈥檚 long tradition in actinide chemistry that goes back to at least the early 1960s,鈥� Professor Thomas Albrecht-Schmitt of Florida State 欧美口爆视频 wrote. 鈥淗is program significantly strengthens Missouri鈥檚 world-recognized program in radiochemistry and nuclear medicine. It is clear that Justin鈥檚 productivity in the research laboratory is difficult to match.鈥�
In his area of expertise, he is known for a strong publication record with more than 30 publications in high-impact journals, constant recognition for his research with more than $3 million in external funding, a commitment to teaching and mentoring and a solid service record serving on several campus committees and as associate chair for undergraduate studies.
鈥淛ustin brings a unique combination of synthetic and computational tools to bear on important problems in his field, and does both with equal rigor. His methods are very creative and allow him to solve problems with actinides in ways that no one else in his field can,鈥� wrote Professor and Department of Chemistry Chair Timothy Glass in a nomination letter. 鈥淏ased on his many accomplishments in such a short period of time, his significant funding and his novel ongoing work, we expect that Justin will continue to have great impact on his field.鈥�
The UM 欧美口爆视频 President鈥檚 Awards are presented annually to faculty members across the four campuses of the UM 欧美口爆视频 who have made exceptional contributions in advancing the mission of the university. Walensky will be formally recognized by UM 欧美口爆视频 President Mun Choi during an awards celebration to be held in June.
Interim Vice Chancellor Mark McIntosh, Provost Garnett Stokes, Professor Justin Walensky and Interim Chief of Staff David Russsell.
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Reviewed 2017-04-06