Iona Black (right), shown here working in a laboratory with students, says her award is the "highest praise one can receive from one's colleagues."

Chemistry lecturer honored with national award

Iona Black, a lecturer in chemistry, has received the Outstanding Teacher Award from the National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) for her contributions to the education of chemistry and chemical engineering students. The award is given to one teacher each year who is chosen from a national competition. It recognizes outstanding scientists, engineers and science teachers who have made significant contributions to their fields. Black was honored at an awards ceremony held April 20 in Miami, Florida. "This award is a special honor because it indicates recognition of my efforts by my colleagues both at Yale and throughout the country," said Black. "The comments made during the awards ceremony not only acknowledged my academic prowess, but also my work ethic and personality as that of an excellent scientist and nice person. This is the highest praise one can receive from one's colleagues." Black's research interests are in the areas of education and in the development and characterization of novel metal complexes that may have anticancer or antiviral activity or both. "I strive to develop and maintain students' creativity, tenacity and ability to work with what is available, and not give up when things become challenging," Brown said. "These are the chief characteristics I have received from my own teachers and now try to pass on to those I mentor. This award reinforces my hope that I am on the right path." In addition to her faculty position in Yale's chemistry department, Black is academic director of the Science, Technology and Research Scholars (STARS) program at Yale. The program has greatly facilitated retention of undergraduate students in the sciences at Yale. She has been an invited speaker, panelist and presenter for numerous organizations and groups, including the American Chemical Society, the National Science Foundation and Wesleyan University. She is also editor of the Asian Journal of Spectroscopy and a National Science Foundation grant reviewer. Black's previous awards include the Yale College Prize for Teaching Excellence by a lector or lecturer in 1997 and the National Academic Advising Association Certificate of Merit in the same year. She has also received grants from the Moore Foundation and from the Society of Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh. T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S $5 million to fund student exchanges Shiller predicts 'uneven course down' for the stock market Janeway, Srinivasan are named as new members of the NAS Seven from Yale are among the new fellows of the AAAS Summertime at Yale Chemistry lecturer honored with national award Yale program for children lauded at dedication Commencement Information Show celebrates adventurous 'Art of Bloomsbury' 'Dance of the Dragon' traces use of mythical motifs in Chinese art Study shows arthritis drug aids premature babies' brains Roundtable discussion inaugurates Corporate Law Center Newly unveiled portrait features first Yale graduate from China Leffell's 'Total Skin' offers insights into our outer layer Nurse practitioners group cites Grey and Safriet for their work YSN and Connecticut Public Radio creating show on care of ill, elderly 'What is a Pathologist?': Young students have winning answers Historian wins award for his creative use of technology Multimedia projects receive special grants from the DMCA Marrakech honors two at Yale for their volunteer contributions Panelists decry nuclear proliferation in India, Pakistan Students find 'creative outlet' in Battin' & Chattin' Search committee formed for School of Drama Dean In the News Bulletin Home|Visiting on Campus| Calendar of Events|Bulletin Board Classified Ads|Search Archives|Production Schedule|Bulletin Staff Public Affairs Home|News Releases| E-Mail Us|Yale Home Page