The event, held at The Inn at Ole Miss, recognized faculty whose work has elevated the university’s research and creative scholarship profile and contributed to its R1 designation, a classification for institutions with the highest levels of research activity.

“As you progress in your careers, I once again encourage you to keep nurturing the drive and the yearning that led you here,” Chancellor Glenn Boyce told the honorees. “You are and can be the most inspirational voices on this campus. Keep setting that bar high.

“We need you to continue to be the example not just for your students, but for our young researchers, too. Help them change the world.”

The Office of Technology Commercialization recognized Nathan Hammer, the Margaret McLean Coulter Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry  as a UM Inventor. Hammer represented a team that that earned a U.S. patent last year. Hammer’s team patented NIR-II dyes, compounds that can help researchers image biomolecules in deep tissue imaging. Hammer was awarded with a plaque with of the inventors’ names and the first page of the patent engraved on them.

Chancellor Glenn Boyce (left) and John Higginbotham (right), vice chancellor for research and economic development, present Nathan Hammer with a UM Inventor award at the inaugural Chancellor’s Awards for Research and Creative Scholarship. Hammer, the Margaret McLean Coulter Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, represented a team of researchers who obtained a U.S. patent for technology they developed on campus. Photo by Bill Dabney

 

The inaugural Awards for Research and Creative Scholarship highlighted faculty members in multiple categories, including arts and humanities; social and behavioral sciences; and life science, physical science, math or engineering. Each recipient received a trophy and monetary award.

“While it’s easy to look back on a long career and see the impact a faculty member has made, it’s sometimes harder to see progress as it’s happening,” Provost Noel Wilkin said. “Each step from assistant to associate then full professor creates an arc of accomplishments that deserves to be recognized.

“The chancellor saw the need to highlight outstanding faculty throughout their careers, and so we created the Awards for Research and Creative Scholarship. For life science, physical science, math or engineering, the chancellor recognized Eden Tanner, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry. “Whether it’s through groundbreaking science, artistic insight or social impact, the faculty honored tonight are changing the face of this university,” Higginbotham said. “Their work doesn’t just add to academic knowledge; it builds a foundation for future discovery, collaboration and leadership on our campus.”