Sources: Yasmin Patell, 785-532-2725, yasmin@k-state.edu;
and Eric Maatta, 785-532-6665, eam@k-state.edu

Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009

MIDWEST REGION OF AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY RECOGNIZES K-STATE'S YASMIN PATELL FOR HER SERVICE TO THE CHEMISTRY PROFESSION

MANHATTAN -- A Kansas State University faculty member has been recognized for her service to the Midwest Region of the American Chemical Society.

Yasmin Patell, assistant teaching scholar in chemistry at K-State, has received the society's E. Ann Nalley Midwest Regional Award for Volunteer Service in recognition of her exemplary service to the chemistry profession.

Patell serves the American Chemical Society both nationally -- as a member of the General Chemistry Examination Committee -- and locally -- as the K-State section's scholarship coordinator and secretary-treasurer. She organizes many American Chemical Society outreach activities, including the annual National Chemistry Week events at the Manhattan Town Center and Manhattan Public Library.

Patell received her award Oct. 22 at a special ceremony that was part of the Midwest regional meeting of the American Chemical Society in Iowa City, Iowa.

"I was very excited and honored to receive the award for volunteer service," Patell said. "I really enjoy volunteering for the American Chemical Society because it gives me an opportunity to bring chemistry from the classroom to a much wider audience. It was especially nice to receive the award directly from Dr. Ann Nalley herself, because she is such an inspirational and enthusiastic scientist."

Nalley is a past president of the American Chemical Society. The organization is the world's largest scientific society with more than 154,000 members worldwide, spanning the disciplines of chemistry, chemical engineering and related fields.

Patell is the fourth recipient of the Nalley Award, which was established in 2006 to recognize the dedication of American Chemical Society members who give of their time and talent by living the society's vision of enriching peoples' lives through the transforming power of chemistry.

"Yasmin is an excellent ambassador for chemistry," said Eric Maatta, professor and head of the K-State department of chemistry. "As her students will attest, she has a remarkable talent for sparking excitement and curiosity about our discipline."

Patell received her bachelor's and master's in chemistry from the University of Sussex, and her doctorate in chemistry from the Queen's University of Belfast. She joined K-State in 2000. She is a recipient of K-State's Presidential Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.