SUNY Potsdam Chemistry Professor Named 2016 Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar

POTSDAM, NY (08/12/2016)(readMedia)-- SUNY Potsdam Associate Professor of Chemistry Dr. Fadi Bou-Abdallah was recently selected as a recipient of the 2016 Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award from the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation.

The award provides an unrestricted research grant of $60,000 to faculty members at primarily undergraduate institutions who are accomplished researchers and committed educators.

"The Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award will help support undergraduate research at SUNY Potsdam, and offer students a meaningful research experience that prepares them for graduate work in the chemical and health-related sciences," Bou-Abdallah said.

Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar nominations are submitted by undergraduate institutions from throughout the United States.

"Research support at undergraduate institutions is very important," said Dr. Mark J. Cardillo, executive director of the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation. "Nearly half the chemists who earn a doctorate degree receive their bachelor's degree from an undergraduate institution, and research is a fundamental part of chemistry education."

Dr. Bou-Abdallah was one of only seven professors from across the nation who were chosen for this prestigious recognition this year. He is in distinguished company, with faculty from the University of San Diego, the University of Richmond, Pomona College, Franklin & Marshall College, Carleton College and Swarthmore College rounding out the list of recipients.

"Dr. Bou-Abdallah is a passionate and tireless educator, an exceptional mentor to undergraduate students and one of the most active researchers at SUNY Potsdam," said Dr. Steven Marqusee, dean of SUNY Potsdam's School of Arts and Sciences. "His ability to combine world-class research with excellent undergraduate teaching and mentoring makes him an especially valuable member of the SUNY Potsdam academic community."

One of Bou-Abdallah's major research projects is to study how iron (Fe), an essential trace element required for most living organisms, is taken up and released by the major iron storage protein, ferritin.

"At a molecular level, understanding such crucial biological processes and how certain mutations in this protein lead to abnormal accumulation of iron in the central nervous system has clinical and practical implications that will allow the design and development of new treatments for iron-related diseases," he said.

The Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation is a leading non-profit organization devoted to the advancement of the chemical sciences. It was established in 1946 by chemist, inventor, and businessman Camille Dreyfus, who directed that the foundation's purpose be "to advance the science of chemistry, chemical engineering and related sciences as a means of improving human relations and circumstances around the world."

SUNY Potsdam's Department of Chemistry offers a rigorous and well-balanced curriculum that provides a solid foundation for successful graduate study or a career in chemistry or a chemistry-related field. The department is known for its strong and diverse undergraduate research programs, its $1.3 million in grants to support teaching and research, and the success of its students' acceptance to competitive graduate and professional schools. To find out more, visit www.potsdam.edu/academics/AAS/Chem.

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. As the College marks its bicentennial in 2016, SUNY Potsdam will celebrate a 200-year legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 4,100 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and leadership in the arts. Empowered by a culture of creativity, the campus community is nearing the completion of Take the Lead: The Campaign for Potsdam, which has raised $33.5 million for scholarships and programs.

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