Bowling Green , Ky. - A Western Kentucky University faculty member and a WKU graduate have been honored by the Kentucky Academy of Science for their contributions to scientific research and education in Kentucky.

Dr. Wei-Ping Pan, chemistry professor and director of WKU’s Institute for Combustion Science and Environmental Technology, received the 2006 Distinguished College/University Scientist Award.

WKU graduate Kim Black, lead science teacher at Elizabethtown High School, received the Outstanding Secondary School Science Teacher Award.

The 2006 KAS Superlative Awards were presented at the 92nd Annual Kentucky Academy of Science meeting hosted by Morehead State University on Nov. 9-11.

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.

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 is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Chemical Society, International Confederation for Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, North American Thermal Analysis Society, and the American Society of Test Methods. He 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. 

Black received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from WKU, serves on her high school’s Professional Development Committee and is the chairperson of its Science Curriculum Development Committee. Black was the lead teacher in an effort that has increased the performance of Elizabethtown High School student on the CATS science test over the past three years by 14 percent. 

The Kentucky Academy of Science (www.kyscience.org) encourages scientific research and promotes the dissemination of the scientific interests of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Established in 1914, the Academy is an Affiliate of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Association of Academies of Science.

More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu. If you’d like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.

For information, contact Jeanne Harris at (859) 227-3827.

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