COLUMBIA - The 2009 recipients of the South Carolina Academy of Science's Governor's Award

were announced at the Science, Technology and Health Conference this April 15th at the Columbia

Convention Center.  Dr. Quian Wang, Dr. Dennis Smith, Ms. Sondra Wieland and Dr. Martine LaBerge were

this year's recipients.  These Awards are given annually by the Academy to recognize the

outstanding achievements of our state's best and brightest scientists.

 

Congressman Joe Wilson, Dave McNamara (SC Launch) and Steve Jones (SCRA) were the presenters along

with Dr. Don Jordan, who chairs the Governor's Award Committee.  The awardees were again commended

at the State House on April 30th, followed by a reception at the USC Nanoscience Center.

 

Dr. Dennis Smith Jr., of Clemson University's Chemistry Dept. was awarded the Gov Award for Excellence

in Scientific Research.  Smith's research interests include synthesis, mechanisms, structure/property

relationships and applications of polymeric materials and composites including flouropolymers, polyarylenes,

and biorenewable polymers and rubber recycling.  Smith has published 96 refereed papers, over 200

conference papers, 2 book editorships, 12 US patents issued with 9 patents disclosed or pending, and 6

patents currently under commercial licensure with three companies

 

Dr. Quian Wang, of USC's Chemistry Dept. was the second recipient of the Award for Excellence in Scientific

Research.  Wang's research is divided in four topics, including the development of fluorescent probes

for protein imaging and cell recognition, the development of nano-vehicles for drug delivery and diagnosis,

the use of self-assembly bionanoparticles and the design of novel nanoscale materials for tissue

engineering.

 

The awards for Excellence in Science Awareness this year went to Ms. Sondra Wieland and Dr. Martine

LaBerge. 

 

For more than 20 years, Wieland has devoted her professional and educational career to the creation and

dissemination of scientific knowledge.  Her body of work educating elementary, middle and high school and

college students has been prodigious and exemplary.  Her students have been integral to the success of

Junior Academy events including the biannual workshops and annual meetings.

 

LaBerge's research expertise is focused on the evaluation and characterization of natural and artificial

surfaces used in the design of implants for orthopaedic and vascular applications.  At Clemson University

she established a highly productive research program focused on the tribology of artificial knee joints.

 

This year's recipients were undoubtedly deserving of this incredible distinction and the Academy takes

pleasure in recognizing their achievements. 

 

James Powell

jpowell@scacadscience.org