Prof. Tyson Named Discovery Corps Senior Fellow by National Science Foundation

Professor Julian Tyson from the University of Massachusetts Amherst Chemistry Department has been awarded a $200,000 fellowship in recognition of his work on environmental contaminants. This fellowship will integrate his research and educational efforts on arsenic, which is the contaminant considered by the Environmental Protection Agency - to pose the most significant threat to human health.

The Discovery Corps Fellowship program was established by the National Science Foundation (NSF) ‘to seek new postdoctoral and professional development models that combine research expertise with professional service’.  According to NSF, “Discovery Corps Fellows leverage their research expertise through projects that address areas of national need. Their projects enhance research capacity and infrastructure and contribute to workforce development and job creation.”

Professor Tyson will spend part of his fellowship period collaborating with life-sciences faculty at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to develop plants and microorganisms as systems to remove arsenic from contaminated soils and waters.

The Discovery Corps Fellowship will catalyze further development of Professor Tyson's independent study program, in which small groups of first-year college students engage in research that is mentored by upper-level students.  In addition, underrepresented middle school students and teachers will measure arsenic levels in their local environments.  Through this Fellowship, Professor Tyson will also travel to Bangladesh, Thailand, and Vietnam - three countries currently dealing with severe arsenic contamination issues - to interact with international researchers in these countries. 

(June 2007)