Five to receive prestigious Henry Russel Award




Updated 3:00 PM March 03, 2003
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Five to receive prestigious Henry Russel Award

By Katie Gazella

Five U-M faculty members will receive the Henry Russel Award, one of the highest honors the University bestows upon junior faculty members.

The awards will be presented at 4 p.m. March 11 in the Ballroom of the Michigan League, followed by the annual Henry Russel Lecture given by a senior member of the faculty. This year's lecturer is Rowena G. Matthews, who will speak about "Genetic Polymorphisms and Human Health." She is the G. Robert Greenberg Distinguished University Professor of Biological Chemistry and senior research scientist, Life Sciences Institute and Biophysics Research Division.

The award winners are: William V. Giannobile, associate professor of dentistry in the Department of Periodontics, Prevention and Geriatrics, School of Dentistry; Scott J. Hollister, associate professor of mechanical engineering and applied mechanics and associate professor of biomedical engineering in the College of Engineering, and associate professor of surgery in the Medical School; Denise Kirschner, associate professor, microbiology and immunology in the Medical School; John V. Moran, assistant professor of human genetics and assistant professor of internal medicine in the Medical School; and Michael J. Solomon, Dow Corning Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering, assistant professor of chemical engineering, and assistant professor of macromolecular science and engineering in the College of Engineering.

Giannoble (Photo by Keary Campbell)

• Giannobile, who has been at U-M since 1998, is the first School of Dentistry faculty member to receive the Russel Award. His research focuses on novel therapies to regenerate tooth-supporting structures that have been damaged by periodontal disease. "Will is an outstanding asset to the University in every sense. Although a junior scholar, he is already regarded as a leader in his work on gene delivery of growth factors for stimulating regeneration of periodontal tissues," said William Kotowic• , dean of the School of Dentistry, in a letter nominating Giannobile. "His service to the Dental School and to his profession is generous. He is a highly regarded collaborator, clinician and teacher, and we predict a great future for him as a leader in academic dentistry."

Hollister

• Hollister, a U-M alumnus, began as an assistant professor in 1991. "Scott's research has gained national and international stature, providing an interdisciplinary bridge between biomedical, materials and mechanics research with real applications in tissue engineering and with real potential to make Michigan a true leader in designed materials for tissue regeneration," said the nominating letter from Matthew O'Donnell, the Jerry W. and Carol L. Levin Professor of Engineering, chair of Biomedical Engineering and professor of electrical and computer science. "In addition, he is a popular teacher and a strong mentor and role model for students. His record of service at the local and national level is exemplary."

Kirschner (Photo by Martin Vloet, U-M Photo Services)

• Kirschner has been at the University since 1997. "During her time at Michigan, Denise has consistently demonstrated a remarkable commitment to research, teaching and service," said a letter from Michael Savageau, the Nicolas Rashevsky Distinguished University Professor of Microbiology and Immunology; professor of microbiology and immunology; and chairman of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the time of the nomination. He has since retired. "She is a widely recogni• ed leader in the field of mathematical modeling of host-parasite interactions. We are very fortunate to have someone of Dr. Kirschner's unique ability to blend mathematics and biology in the study of diseases that are difficult to approach by standard experimental methods."

Moran (Photo by Marcia Ledford, U-M Photo Services)

• Moran has been at U-M since 1998. "John's nomination for the Henry Russel Award was based on his outstanding, innovative research, which has already made a significant impact in the areas of molecular genetics and genomics; his outstanding and enthusiastic teaching in both the classroom and seminar setting; and his exemplary mentoring of doctoral students," said a nominating letter from Dr. Thomas Gelehrter, professor and chair, Department of Human Genetics. "He is a tremendous asset to this University and to his profession."

Solomon (Photo by Bill Wood, U-M Photo Services)

• Solomon has been at the University since 1997. "Mike has built a successful research program in the area of experimental methods for polymer and colloidal science, and his ideas have attracted substantial support from government and industrial sources," said a letter from Ronald Larson, chair and the G.G. Brown Professor of Chemical Engineering. "He has a strong service and publication record, and is a superb advisor to his graduate students."

The award carries a $1,200 stipend. Both the Henry Russel Award and the Henry Russel Lectureship were established in 1925 with a bequest from Henry Russel of Detroit, who received three degrees from U-M.

Five to receive prestigious Henry Russel Award

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