Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science
Associate Professor Brad Chamberlain
Department of Chemistry
Luther College, Decorah, IA
Associate Professor Bradley Chamberlain is the 2013 Janet Andersen Award winner for the Physical Sciences, Math, and Computer Science. The following excerpt is from a nomination letter written by one of his colleagues:
“Bradley (Brad) Chamberlain is an inspiring mentor to the numerous research students who have had the opportunity to work with him in truly collaborative research over the last 12 years at Luther College. I nominate Brad for the Janet Andersen Award for his outstanding leadership in undergraduate research, his dedication to his students, [and] his impressive record of securing funding for major equipment which has benefitted the students and department as a whole.
Students enjoy taking Brad’s classes and working in his lab because he knows how to put chemistry and science into real life contexts. … He makes science approachable and interesting, and he does the same in his research. Seeking out new effective catalysts for polymerization reactions is difficult synthetic work, and though the students feel challenged in his lab, they also see cutting edge techniques and grow as scientists to help in their future careers.”
Biological Sciences and Psychology
Professor Daniel Hornbach
Departments of Environmental Studies and Biology
Macalester College, St. Paul, MN
Professor Daniel Hornbach was selected for the 2013 Janet Andersen award in the Biological Sciences and Psychology. The following statements are taken from a letter written by several of Dan’s colleagues in nomination for this award:
“Dan’s commitment to working collaboratively with students represents a facet of his life’s work. … Each of Dan’s students has experienced the joy of scientific discovery inherent in scientific research; their research experiences transcend narrowly defined projects. Dan’s students have gone on to work in areas that include molecular biology, genetics, and biological anthropology. In addition, Dan has structured his research program to allow students the opportunity to develop skills as members of a team and experience the importance of collaboration. Some of Dan’s students now work in resource management, public health, investment banking, organic farming, and sustainability management, to name a few.
[Listing] student accomplishments fails, however, to capture the ways that Dan’s role as a mentor has impacted his research program. Since effective mentoring relies on the give and take of relationships, it is not surprising that Dan’s interactions with students has changed the direction of his research. The combination of a socially aware student body with the inclusion of service to society as a component of Macalester’s mission statement prompted Dan to shift his focus from research that examined theories of life-history evolution to questions related to conservation of endangered species.”