Honors, Awards and Fellowships

At UB, we believe hard work should be celebrated. Our Department of Chemistry recognizes academic excellence, research achievements and leadership through a variety of honors and awards. These opportunities highlight your success and help build a resume that stands out to graduate schools and future employers.

Academic Excellence in Chemistry Award
 The Academic Excellence in Chemistry Award consists of a keepsake plaque given by the Department of Chemistry. It is given annually to graduating seniors with the following GPA levels:

  • Distinction: 3.20-3.499
  • High Distinction: 3.50-3.749
  • Highest Distinction: 3.75-4.000

Academic Excellence in Medicinal Chemistry Award
 The Academic Excellence in Medicinal Chemistry Award consists of a keepsake plaque given by the Department of Chemistry. It is given annually to graduating seniors with the following GPA levels:

  • Distinction: 3.20-3.499
  • High Distinction: 3.50-3.749
  • Highest Distinction: 3.75-4.000

Chemistry Alumni Award
The Chemistry Alumni Award honors the top Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry Majors of senior status for academic excellence, based on cumulative rank, and is presented by the Department of Chemistry faculty at the annual Undergraduate Awards Ceremony. This award, consisting of a monetary gift and certificate, has been presented to one or more students each year since 2000.

American Chemical Society Division of Analytical Chemistry Award
Since 1967, the American Chemical Society, Division of Analytical Chemistry, has presented this undergraduate award to encourage student interest in analytical chemistry and to recognize students who display an aptitude for a career in the field. The recipient is selected by the Undergraduate Affairs Committee, but is to have completed the third undergraduate year before the upcoming fall semester, and is expected to enroll for the following academic year. The award consists of an 8-month subscription (16 issues) to the journal Analytical Chemistry and a certificate of recognition, which is presented at the Department of Chemistry awards ceremony on commencement day.

American Chemical Society Division of Inorganic Chemistry Award
The American Chemical Society, Division of Inorganic Chemistry, gives this award to encourage student interest in inorganic chemistry, to recognize achievement in inorganic chemistry and to encourage further study in the field. The award is presented to a senior, selected by the Undergraduate Affairs Committee, on the basis of success in inorganic chemistry courses and undergraduate research in the field. The award consists of a certificate of recognition and letter of commendation from the Chair of the Division of Inorganic Chemistry, which is presented at the Department of Chemistry awards ceremony on commencement day.

American Chemical Society Division of Organic Chemistry Award
The American Chemical Society’s Division of Organic Chemistry, gives this award to recognize students who display a significant aptitude for organic chemistry and to encourage further interest in the field. The award is presented to a senior, selected by the Undergraduate Affairs Committee on the basis of success in organic chemistry courses and undergraduate research in the field. The award consists of a certificate, a letter of recognition, and a one year free membership to the ACS Organic Division, which is presented at the Department of Chemistry awards ceremony on commencement day.

American Chemical Society Division of Physical Chemistry Award
This award recognizes outstanding achievement by undergraduate students in physical chemistry, and to encourage further pursuits in the field. The award is presented to a senior, selected by the Undergraduate Affairs Committee on the basis of success in physical chemistry courses and undergraduate research in the field. The award consists of a certificate, and a one year free membership to the ACS Division of Physical Chemistry, which is presented at the Department of Chemistry awards ceremony on commencement day.

American Institute of Chemists Award 
One of the activities of the American Institute of Chemists Foundation (AICF), administered by the American Institute of Chemists (AIC), is the annual student awards program to honor outstanding seniors, post-baccalaureate and post-doctoral students majoring in chemistry, chemical engineering or biochemistry. Such awards are given in recognition of a demonstrated record of ability, leadership and professional promise. Candidates are nominated by department faculty members and selected by the department’s Undergraduate Affairs Committee. The award consists of a Student Affiliate membership in the AIC through December 2019 and a certificate which is presented at the annual department awards ceremony.

CAS Dean's Outstanding Senior Award
Annually, the Dean honors the best senior graduating from each department in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) with the “Dean’s Outstanding Senior Award”, consisting of a medal and certificate presented at the University Commencement ceremony. In previous years, prior to the formation of the College of Arts and Sciences, this award was named the “FNSM Deans Outstanding Senior Award”. Each department in the College, along with the Interdisciplinary Degree Program and the Special Major Program, is asked to select one graduating senior. The selection criteria are: Demonstrated academic excellence exemplified by an exceptional grade point average, election to honor societies, participation in research, and other academic achievements selected by the department.

Excellence in General Chemistry Award 
 The Excellence in General Chemistry Award honors the top one percent of freshman students for academic excellence in CHE 101-102, 105-106, and 107-108, based on cumulative rank, and is presented by the Department of Chemistry faculty. This elite group has been recognized through the presentation of this award since 1985, when the Department of Chemistry held its first awards ceremony. Each student receives a certificate.

Excellence in Organic Chemistry Award
The Excellence in Organic Chemistry Award honors the top 1% of sophomore students in CHE 201-251 and CHE 202-252, based on cumulative rank, and is presented by the Department of Chemistry faculty. This elite group has been recognized through the presentation of this award since 1985, when the Department of Chemistry held its first annual awards ceremony. 

Priscilla B. Clarke Chemistry Award
The Priscilla B. Clarke Chemistry Award will be used by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in consultation with the Department of Chemistry Undergraduate Awards Committee for an annual award that recognizes an outstanding Bachelor of Science graduating senior in the Department of Chemistry.

Priscilla B. Clarke Pioneer Award
The Department of Chemistry has established the Priscilla B. Clarke Pioneer Award which is presented annually to a graduating senior chemistry or medicinal chemistry major who exemplifies the character and dedication to service of the Department of Chemistry, in recognition of the decades of service provided to the Department by Priscilla B. Clarke.

Dr. Alan Cutler Undergraduate Scholarship in Chemistry
 From 2019 – 2023, the Dr. Alan Cutler Undergraduate Scholarship in Chemistry was given to support an undergraduate student in the Department of Chemistry, based on financial need and academic success. The award was intended to provide financial aid to an undergraduate who planned on performing summer research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Awardees were selected by the Department of Chemistry Undergraduate Affairs Committee, and students selected were presented their certificate at the Department of Chemistry annual awards ceremony.

Jane C. Denton Award
This award given by Dr. Lawrence Frenkel, BA 1965 and Dr. Donald Schultz, BA 1965 is in recognition of the inspiration Jane C. Denton gave to many. This award is given to female undergraduate students pursuing a degree in chemistry. Awardees are selected by the Department of Chemistry Undergraduate Affairs Committee, and students selected are presented their scholarship and certificate at the Department of Chemistry annual awards ceremony.

Janet Litster Rideout, PhD Fund
Established in 2020, the Janet Litster-Rideout, PhD Fund is available to support undergraduate students majoring in Chemistry who have financial need. The fund can be used to support any need of the student, including but not limited to tuition, necessary books for classes, room and board, and experiential learning opportunities. Dr. Litster Rideout earned her PhD in Chemistry from UB in 1968 and went on to have a prolific scientific career, specializing in groundbreaking research in HIV/AIDS treatments. Recipients of this award will benefit from and carry forward Dr. Litster Rideout's legacy as a distinguished UB alumna. 

Michael Detty Undergraduate Summer Research Award
Margaret Logan Detty, PhD, along with friends and family of the late Michael Detty, PhD, have created an endowed fund within the University at Buffalo Foundation, Inc. to be used for the purpose of supporting a student participating in a summer research opportunity with a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry. Our department is grateful to Margaret Logan Detty and the other donors for establishing this award, which honors Michael Detty’s legacy and highlights his longstanding dedication to mentoring research students.

Hillig Student Assistance Fund
The Hillig Student Assistance Fund was established for the purpose of supporting undergraduate students majoring in chemistry who have completed 2 or more years of chemistry courses to further their study in the field of Chemistry. The donors wish to honor Dr. Kathy J. Dien Hillig’s alma mater (Class of 1977, BS in Chemistry). After completing her degree at UB, she received a PhD in Chemistry at the University of Michigan, doing research in analytical chemistry. She then spent over 33 years at BASF, holding various positions in Analytical Research, Product Regulations, and I Master Data Process Design.

The Department has decided that an appropriate use of the funds would be to support undergraduate research by (a) providing partial travel funds for junior or senior chemistry or medicinal chemistry majors who are presenting papers or posters at scientific society meetings or (b) providing summer research support.

Peter T. Lansbury Chemistry Award
Joseph P. Vacca, PhD 1983, received the Merck Director’s Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the discovery of Crixivan, an HIV protease inhibitor. Dr. Vacca selected the University at Buffalo as recipient of the Merck prize because of the important role UB played in his career. To honor his former PhD mentor, Dr. Peter T. Lansbury, Professor Emeritus, Dr. Vacca created the Peter T. Lansbury Chemistry Award in 1999. This award is given periodically to a deserving undergraduate chemistry major, preferably in his/her junior year. The funds may be used to carry out summer research with a UB faculty member.

Sol J. Lederman Undergraduate Research Fellowship
Sol J. Lederman Research Fellows will be selected by the Department of Chemistry’s Undergraduate Committee based on applications submitted by interested students. The committee will award the fellowship(s) to students who: (1) show special promise as a researcher, (2) have a commitment from a mentor to provide matching funds in support of a stipend, supplies, etc, and (3) have high promise of generating publishable results. At the end of the fellowship period, Sol J. Lederman Research Fellows must submit a short report (3-5 page) summarizing their research activity and results.

Medicinal Chemistry Scholarship
The Medicinal Chemistry Scholarship is given to a junior medicinal chemistry major. Awardees are selected by the Department of Chemistry Undergraduate Affairs Committee and students selected are presented their scholarship and certificate at the Department of Chemistry annual awards ceremony.

Albert Padwa Award
The Albert Padwa Award is intended to provide a stipend to an undergraduate student intern during a summer research project in the Department of Chemistry. Awardees are selected by the Department of Chemistry’s Undergraduate Affairs Committee. The recipient of this award is required to provide a summary report at the conclusion of his/her research project.

Ralph F. Theuer Scholarship Award
 The family of Ralph F. Theuer, University at Buffalo alumnus, BA Chemistry 1946 and EdM. Science Education 1950, in order to further science education, established the Ralph F. Theuer Endowment Fund in 1994. This award is presented annually to one or more outstanding students pursuing a degree in Chemistry or a graduate degree in Science Education at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Awardees are selected by the Department of Chemistry Undergraduate Affairs Committee, and students selected are presented their scholarship and certificate at the Department of Chemistry annual awards ceremony.

Senior Merck Award for Scholastic Excellence
Through its generosity and commitment to the chemical sciences Merck & Co., Inc. offers this annual award to recognize outstanding graduating chemistry majors. Ultimate selection of the awardees is made by the Department’s Undergraduate Affairs Committee. Each senior selected receives a copy of the Merck Index with his or her name embossed in gold on the cover. The University at Buffalo has taken part in honoring our seniors with this award since 1985, when the Department of Chemistry held its very first awards ceremony.

The Taylor & Francis Group and CRC Press Chemistry Achievement Award
 The Taylor & Francis Group and CRC Press offer this award to recognize an undergraduate student for outstanding academic achievement in chemistry and to inspire the upcoming scientists of tomorrow. One senior, selected by the Undergraduate Affairs Committee, will receive the newest edition of the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, along with a commemorative bookplate.

Joseph and Louise K. Tufariello Award for Academic Excellence in Chemistry
First presented in 2003, this award was established in memory of Dr. Joseph J. Tufariello’s parents, Joseph and Louise K. Tufariello, who, in spite of their own limited education, encouraged and supported him in his quest for the highest education possible. This award is presented annually to an outstanding graduating senior in the Department of Chemistry of the University at Buffalo as selected by the Undergraduate Affairs Committee.

Western New York American Chemical Society Award
 Through its generosity the Western New York Section of the American Chemical Society (founded in 1905) offers this annual award to honor the outstanding senior students of our regional colleges and universities majoring in chemistry, medicinal chemistry and biochemistry.

Western New York American Chemical Society Award in Medicinal Chemistry
 Through its generosity the Western New York Section of the American Chemical Society (founded in 1905) offers this annual award to honor the outstanding senior students of our regional colleges and universities majoring in chemistry, medicinal chemistry and biochemistry.

William E. Townsend Scholarship Award
 Mr. William E. Townsend, UB Class of 1950 with a BA degree in Chemistry, in order to recognize worthy students at his alma mater, established the William E. Townsend Scholarship Fund in 1992. This award is presented annually to one or more freshman chemistry majors, preferably from the Western New York area, with demonstrated financial need and possession of good personal characteristics in terms of attitude, personality, citizenship and leadership. Recipients are selected by the Department of Chemistry Undergraduate Affairs Committee. The award may be presented to each awardee for up to four consecutive years, provided they remain a chemistry major in good standing with the University.