DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR MICHAEL D. MORSE His research focuses on spectroscopic
he has graduated twenty-five PhD
studies of small molecules that
and four MS students. Additionally,
contain transition metals, lanthanide
he has mentored twenty-seven
metals, or actinide metals. These
undergraduates working in his group
are, chemically, highly important
who have been co-authors on almost
but fiendishly complicated species.
as many papers.
Morse's work on these molecules is
IN JULY, MORSE WAS APPOINTED TO THE RANK OF DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY.
frequently the first to be reported in
His professional service to funding
the literature and is always definitive.
agencies has resulted in his being
Among his many prior awards he
listed in the top twenty reviewers for
is recipient of the 2019 William F.
the Journal of Chemical Physics in 2011.
Meggers Award by the Optical Society
He has also received a Certificate of
of America.
Reviewing Excellence in 2013 from the Journal of Molecular Spectroscopy. <
Morse is also the recipient of numerous teaching awards. To date,
U PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR LUISA WHITTAKER-BROOKS REFERRED TO AS A
to support scholarship and enrich
“TRAILBL AZING ROLE MODEL ,”
research activities.
Whittaker-Brooks focuses on, among other things, the synthesis of organic
“I am so proud of the work these
and inorganic materials for energy
scholars are doing in the classroom,
conversion and storage. She was
and in their field of study,” said Interim
recognized this year as a U Presidential
Senior Vice President for Academic
Scholar which honors excellence and
Affairs Martell Teasley. “As educators
achievement for faculty members at
at the U, they are positioned to guide
the assistant or associate professor
their students and impact our whole
level. The award comes with $10,000
community. I’m excited to see what
in annual funding for three years
the future holds.” <
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