
	News and Information
	Trinity Home page

FOR MORE INFORMATION

CONTACT: Susie P. Gonzalez

Susie.Gonzalez@Trinity.edu

June 20, 2006

Trinity Chemistry Professor Is Named 2006 Fellow to the Council on Undergraduate Research

SAN ANTONIO – Nancy S. Mills, professor of chemistry at Trinity University since 1979, is a recipient of the 2006 Fellows Award by the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR). She will receive the award June 25 at the organization’s 11^th annual conference at DePauw University.

Professor Mills is known nationally as an advocate for undergraduate research. She served as a CUR councilor for 12 years from 1990 to 2003, a term that included a rotation as chair of the council’s chemistry division. She has also chaired the organization’s membership, nominations, and outreach committees.

Complementing her work with CUR, Professor Mills has been actively involved with promoting undergraduate research at the National Science Foundation as well as at the American Chemical Society. In addition, she has won numerous teaching awards and honors, including National Merit Finalist (1968), Sears Roebuck Foundation Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award (1990), Z. T. Scott Faculty Fellowship for Teaching and Service (1992), Camille and Henry Dreyfus Scholar/Fellow (1995), and the Piper Professor, State of Texas (1999).

Professor Mills has summed up her philosophy about undergraduate research by saying, “The bedrock of what researchers do at undergraduate institutions is to demonstrate with our own students that research makes the most effective teaching.”

Michelle Bushey, professor and chair of Trinity’s chemistry department, noted that Professor Mills “has produced an outstanding record of achievement in research with undergraduates for the past 28 years. The research has been cutting-edge, and has been continually supported with external funds.” The department chair also lauded Professor Mills for being an “outstanding mentor” who has spurred many students to pursue advanced degrees or careers in science. Professor Mills has received more than $1 million in research grants from such groups as the National Science Foundation, the R.A. Welch Foundation, and the Petroleum Research Fund, among others.

Professor Mills’ research interests are in the preparation of hydrocarbon dications that may be antiaromatic. The work includes the use of computational chemistry to provide theoretical support for the experimental work.

The CUR Fellows awards are presented to professors who have developed nationally respected research programs involving undergraduates. Awardees have established outstanding records of obtaining funding for their work and for their students and have published research findings with undergraduate coauthors. They reach out to students of all backgrounds, incorporate research activities into the courses they teach, and lead efforts to institutionalize research on their campuses and across the nation. They are seen as leaders and role models for countless faculty and students. At the June conference, Professor Mills will receive a $1,000 award, present a research-related talk, and accept $5,000 to support continued undergraduate research.

Trinity University, founded in 1869, is one of the nation’s top private undergraduate institutions. Noted for its superior academic quality, outstanding faculty, and exceptional academic and residential resources, Trinity is committed to the intellectual, civic, and professional preparation of its students.

--30--