The Undergraduate Research Opportunity Project (UROP) has announced the recipients of the winter Faculty Mini-Grant Awards. The following faculty members received awards of up to $5,000 for their proposals:
Nancy J. Allee, director of Public Health Information Services and Access, is one of 10 people who were honored by their peers in health libraries as “super searchers.” She was interviewed by Susan M. Detwiler for her book, Super Searchers on Health and Medicine: The Online Secrets of Top Health and Medical Researchers, published by Information Today Inc. The chapter on Allee is titled “Nancy J. Allee, Finding Healthy Web Sites.”
Five College of Engineering staff members have received Excellence in Staff Service Awards for their outstanding service and commitment to the College: Michael Africa, computer systems consultant; Brian Johnson, engineer in research; Pam Linderman, student adviser; Derrick Scott, program director, Minority Engineering Program Office; and Marie E. “Beth” Stalnaker, student services associate.
Honorees received $1,500 stipends and framed pictures of the College’s Maya Lin Wave Field engraved with citations of appreciation.
Lt. Rene “Benny” Chenevert of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) has graduated from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Va. Graduates completed 10 weeks of advanced legal, investigative, management and fitness training. Chenevert coordinates DPS’ community oriented police program.
John G. Frohna, clinical assistant professor of internal medicine, and of pediatrics and communicable diseases, and director of the Medical School’s combined Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Program, has been named president-elect of the executive council of the Medicine-Pediatrics Program Directors Association. In the four-year position, he will promote the organization’s educational mission, which includes strengthening medical training and promoting growth and development of the combined specialty.
Charles T. Kuntzleman, director of the Fitness for Youth Project and adjunct associate professor of kinesiology, has been named State Council Member of the Year by the National Association of Health and Fitness, the Network of State and Governors’ Councils. He was cited for his continuing commitment to the health of Michigan residents.
State Sen. John Schwarz, R-Battle Creek, recently read a resolution commemorating the achievements and retirement of Sidney Fine, professor emeritus of history. In part, the resolution reads: “A wholehearted accolade of tribute be hereby accorded to commemorate Sidney Fine for his graciousness in sharing his passion and intellect with students and faculty. We honor him for the inspiration he has sparked in others and for the love he has shown his family.”
Paul Wong, dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters; and professor of sociology at the U-M-Dearborn; has been appointed to a three-year term on the National Advisory Council of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). SAMHSA works closely with the National Institutes of Health in such areas as research and block grants.
The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) recently awarded a gold medal to the Office of State Outreach for the Michigan Road Scholars program. The program was submitted to CASE as part of its “Circle of Excellence Awards.” Out of 88 entries received, only four gold medals, two silver medals and four bronze medals were awarded. For more information, call David Lossing, (734) 764-8029.
Dorothy Mcleer, a staff member in the Natural Areas at the U-M-Dearborn, has been named Alumna of the Year of Oakland Community College. Mcleer earned her bachelor’s degree in environmental studies at Dearborn.
The Huron River, edited by John Knott, professor of English, and G. Keith Taylor, lecturer in English, was selected for the 2001 Read Michigan list that was part of Michigan Week.
Antonio Villarruel, associate professor of nursing and director of the Center for Health Promotion at the School of Nursing, has been appointed to serve on the Secretary’s Advisory Committee of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The committee focuses on how to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities by year 2010.
Villarruel is one of two Latino professors selected for the committee, which is composed of 12 members, and is the only nurse represented. She was nominated by several nursing and Latino organizations. “It’s an honor and responsibility to be a part of this committee,” says Villaruel. “I hope we are the mouthpiece for the communities that we serve and hopefully we’ll meet out of Washington to hear directly from communities about their concerns that affect their health and well-being.
William “Shaun” Jackson, associate professor of art and design, has been nominated as a candidate for a Product Design Achievement Award from the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum’s National Design Awards program. These awards are for design excellence and innovation.
Jackson was nominated by a committee of more than 600 American architects, designers, educators, journalists, authors, filmmakers and other professionals representing all 50 states. The awards’ unique contribution to America’s cultural life was recognized by their designation as an official White House Millennium Council program in 2000. The award ceremony announcing the winners will be held in New York in November 2001.