On Wednesday, May 26, 2021 we celebrated world-class research, leadership, mentorship, and teaching in UCLA’s Division of Physical Sciences at a virtual event.
Three members of the Chemistry & Biochemistry community were honored at the UCLA Physical Sciences Centennial Awards event. UCLA alumnus and supporter Dr. Myung Ki “Mike” Hong (B.S. Chemistry ’59) received the Chemistry & Biochemistry Luminary Award, UCLA postdoc alumnus and supporter Dr. Mani Bhaumik received the Centennial Visionary Award, and Professor Robin Garrell received the Leadership Award. A recording of the event can be viewed here.
Dr. Myung Ki “Mike” Hong – Chemistry & Biochemistry Luminary Award
The UCLA Physical Sciences departments are among the best in the world thanks to the strong support from successful alumni whose careers exemplify the impact of research and education in the division. A Centennial Luminary Award was presented to one alumna/us from each of the six departments in recognition of their professional accomplishments. Dr. Hong received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from UCLA in 1959. Known for his expertise in resin and coatings, Dr. Hong founded Dura Coat Products in 1986. Dr. Hong is the recipient of the UCLA Chemistry and Biochemistry 2015 Alumni Award. In 2016, Dr. Hong’s generous gift to the department established the Dr. Myung Ki Hong Chair in Polymer Science and Dr. Myung Ki Hong Chair in Materials Innovation.
Dr. Mani Bhaumik – Centennial Visionary Award
The Centennial Visionary Award was created to recognize one individual who has made extraordinary contributions through their service to UCLA and whose career exemplifies the impact of research and education across several areas of the Division of Physical Sciences. A former UCLA postdoctoral fellow, physicist, and best-selling author, Dr. Bhaumik generously gave to the department to help create the new Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory on the 4th floor of Young Hall, which will be the heart of fostering collaboration in the UCLA Chemistry & Biochemistry community.
Professor Robin Garrell – Leadership Award
This award acknowledges members of the Physical Sciences Division who have made extraordinary contributions through their service to UCLA, or to the academic communities at the national and/or international levels, with special recognition for impact in the promotion of gender equity and diversity. Prof. Garrell is the current president of the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center. She is the former Vice Provost for Graduate Education and dean of UCLA’s Graduate Division, and a former faculty member of the UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry.
After the event, a virtual meet and greet was held via Zoom, where faculty, friends and family gathered to congratulate the award recipients. Screen shots from the gatherings can be viewed below.
Penny Jennings, UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, penny@chem.ucla.edu.
