UVa-Wise professor named Speaker of the Year for regional chapter of American Chemical Society

The Northeast Tennessee Section of the American Chemistry Society (NET-ACS) has chosen Van Daniel, professor of chemistry at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, as its Speaker of the Year.

Daniel was honored at the NETS-ACS’ 575th Awards Banquet at the Culp Center at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tenn., on April 16.

Ralph Bandy, a 1988 alumnus of the College and one of Daniel’s former students, nominated Daniel for the honor.

“Van’s dedication to chemistry education is evidenced by the numerous students he has helped to achieve their goals as scientists, teachers, engineers, physicians and pharmacists,” Bandy wrote in his nomination letter for Daniel. “They say teachers ‘touch the future.’ Indeed, Van’s reach has extended over several decades of dedicated teaching in the field of chemistry.”

Daniel has served UVa-Wise since 1970 and has spent a considerable amount of that time as chair of the Department of Natural Sciences. He was instrumental in establishing a chapter of the Sigma Zeta honor society at the College and has sponsored the society’s math and science contest for nearly 30 years.

Before coming to UVa-Wise, Daniel received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He continued his education in physical chemistry, receiving a Master of Science and a Ph.D. from Emory University. His doctoral subject was “The Effect of N-Bromosuccinimide on Trypsinogen Activation and Trypsin Catalysis.”

Daniel has been a member of the American Chemical Society since 1967 and has served on the executive committee for NET-ACS several times. Daniel has also served on the Pro-Art Foundation board of directors, as director of the Library Gallery and currently serves on the UVa-Wise Art Committee.

The American Chemistry Society is the world's largest scientific organization, representing more than 150,000 members worldwide. The Northeast Tennessee Section (NETS), which serves Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, was formed in 1933.

NETS sponsors a wide variety of professional and outreach activities for the benefit of its members and the general public. The group also takes part in National Chemistry Week and holds National Chemistry Olympiad Exams to identify students to participate in national competitions and possibly in the International Chemistry Olympiad competitions. Annually, the organization recognizes the Speaker of the Year, a High School Chemistry Teacher of the Year and a Technician of the Year.

Posted April 18, 2008