2006 Distinguished College/University Scientist Award

The recipient of the 2006 Distinguished College/University Scientist Award is Dr. Wei-Ping Pan, Professor of Chemistry at Western Kentucky University.  Dr. Pan received his undergraduate education at Chun-Yuan University and later completed both his master’s and doctoral education at Michigan Technological University.  Dr. Pan worked as a post-doctoral scholar at the University of Montana, Missoula before accepting a faculty position at Western Kentucky University in 1986.  At Western, he is responsible for establishing the Institute for Combustion Science and Environmental Technology.  Dr. Pan holds memberships in numerous professional organizations including the American Chemical Society, the International Confederation for Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, the North American Thermal Analysis Society, and the American Society of Test Methods.  In addition to numerous awards from Western Kentucky University, Dr. Pan is a Fellow of the North American Thermal Analysis Society, a past president of the organization, and the recipient of the Society’s 2004 Service Award.

 Dr. Pan is an internationally-recognized leader in clean coal technologies that will help coal-fired power plants meet EPA’s new, more stringent mercury emissions standards.    He is a respected expert in thermal analysis, combustion science, and mercury emissions.  Terry Kelly, President of TA Instruments – an international leader on thermal analysis with offices around the world, said Dr. Pan’s research “has benefited citizens, communities, and corporations in Kentucky and around the world by facilitating the development of cleaner, more efficient energy sources.”  The Institute founded by Dr. Pan at Western Kentucky University, which supports the Thermal Analysis Laboratory, the Combustion Laboratory, and the Mercury Emission Laboratory.

 While Dr. Pan’s work in the laboratory is superb and highly regarded, he values and enjoys teaching.  He understands the importance of learning outside the classroom and provides both undergraduate and graduate students with an opportunity to work in his laboratory.  Since joining the Western Kentucky University faculty, Dr. Pan and his students have presented over 300 research papers and published over 200 articles – with over 80 presentations at the Kentucky Academy of Science.  Some of Dr. Pan’s students have pursued advanced degrees at some of the world’s most respected academic institutions, including doctoral programs at the University of Southern California, North Carolina, and Purdue.  Others have gone on to professional employment within months of graduation.  Dr. Pan goes out of his way to introduce his students to other faculty, lab directors, and potential employers.

In recognition of his distinguished scientific career, the Kentucky Academy of Science is pleased to present the 2006 Distinguished College/University Scientist Award to Dr. Wei-Ping Pan

2004 NATAS - Outstanding Service Award

In 2004, Dr. Wei-Ping Pan recieved the Outstanding Service Award by the North American Thermal Analysis Society (NATAS).

The award was presented Oct. 5, at the annual NATAS Conference in Williamsburg, VA. This award recognizes outstanding service to NATAS, consisting of an accumulation of significant contributions and dedicated service to the Society.

Dr. Pan established the Thermal Analysis Laboratory at Western Kentucky University in 1987. The laboratory has evolved into one of the best-equipped thermal analysis laboratories in the United States and has developed into an internationally recognized facility.