University of New Mexico Assistant Professor of Chemistry John R. Engen has been named as the recipient of the 2005 Young Investigator Award from the UNM Chapter of the Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society. The Sigma Xi Honor Society is a national organization devoted to the encouragement of scientific research.
Photo: Assistant Professor of Chemistry John Engen
As part of the honor, Engen will present the 2005 Sigma Xi Award Lecture titled, "Will Weighing Molecules Unlock Some Secrets of Cancer?" Thursday, Sept. 29, at 1 p.m., in Tapy Hall (Civil Engineering) room 201.
“I am very grateful to Sigma Xi for this recognition of my research in mass spectrometry,” Engen said. “The lecture is intended for general audiences and I hope to see everyone there, especially students.”
Engen, and along with fellow Chemistry Professor Chris Enke, direct UNM’s new $1.2 million mass spectrometry facility which opened this past spring. Mass spectrometry is a sophisticated “scale” that measures the mass of molecules. By combining it with special labeling techniques, Engen can investigate the shape of proteins involved in human diseases. The mass spectrometry facility is a key component in basic research support for any university involved in research.
The local chapter of Sigma Xi sponsors many activities in support of science and research, including its Young Investigator Award (YIA). Each year, the YIA recognizes individuals within 10 years of his/her highest degree that have demonstrated a very high level of scientific scholarship. The recipient will deliver a research lecture, receive a certificate of recognition and cash award of $1,000.
Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821
Posted by scarr at September 21, 2005 09:43 AM