(Courtesy photo) University of Utah professor of chemistry Peter Stang, recipient of the 2013 Priestley Medal, the American Chemical Society's highest honor.
U. of Us Peter Stang garners nations top honor for chemistry
University of Utah chemistry professor Peter Stang has earned one of the nations highest honors for a scientist, with the American Chemical Society (ACS) awarding him the 2013 Priestley Medal in recognition of his lifetime achievements in organic chemistry.
The society, the worlds largest scientific group with 164,000 members, highlighted Stangs advances in "supramolecular chemistry," which involves the spontaneous formation of large, complex molecules from pre-designed, simple molecules that Stang compares with building blocks in a Lego toy set. A 43-year faculty member, Stang draws inspiration from Utahs Bryce Canyon in his efforts to understand how organic molecules assemble themselves.
"Nature uses self-assembly because its a very efficient way to build the molecules that are essential for living organisms," he said in a video about his research. "I make small molecules so the pieces recognize each other and come together the right way to make much more complex molecules."
These molecules could lead to targeted drug delivery and improved oil refining, among other technological advances.
"I am exceedingly proud of Peter, and this is a fitting tribute to his lifelong dedication to chemistry," said U. President David Pershing, a long-time chemical engineer at the university, in a statement. "He is absolutely committed to the highest research standards and the best education for his students."
Only a few months ago, President Barack Obama awarded Stang the National Medal of Science. The Priestley medal was established in 1922 in honor of 18th-century theologian Joseph Priestley, the scientist who discovered the element oxygen. It is regarded as the highest honor for U.S. chemists.
At least seven Priestley winners in the past 40 years have also won Nobel Prizes. The current Priestley honoree is MITs Robert Langer, a nanotechnology pioneer, while the U.s Henry Eyring won the honor in 1975.
This year, the ASC also inducted Stang and U. department chairman Henry White as fellows. Stang credited his students and post-doctorate students who actually carried out his experiments over the years.
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U. of U’s Peter Stang garners nation’s top honor for chemistry
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