KINGS POINT, N.Y., July 17, 2019 – Last week, United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Chemistry Professor, Dr. Ping Furlan was named a 2019 Fellow by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

The announcement from ACS explains, “the fellows program began in 2008 as a way to recognize and honor ACS members for outstanding achievements in and contributions to science, the profession, and ACS.” Selection as an ACS Fellow is based on “documented excellence and leadership in each of two areas: (1) science, the profession, education, and/or management, and (2) volunteer service in the ACS community.”  Dr. Furlan is the first ACS Fellow from any of the five federal Academies.

“We are all extremely proud of Dr. Furlan,” said Dr. John Ballard, USMMA Academic Dean and Provost. “She is very deserving of this award that recognizes her noteworthy scientific and service contributions, which are so well aligned with USMMA’s mission of developing exemplary leaders.”

Furlan’s teaching and research interests include Chemistry, Nanoscience, Nanomaterials for Marine Pollution Prevention, Nanoscience and Technology, and Chemistry in Maritime Industry. She also serves as a Kings Point Scholar Advisor, Science Club Mentor and is involved in Public Science Outreach.

“I am humbled to receive such a great honor. I am extremely grateful to the American Chemical Society, their New York Section, and the Academy for their years of generous and abundant support and encouragement,” said Furlan. “I am also deeply thankful to my colleagues, students, and friends, all of whom I have learned from, received help from, or journeyed with in my career so far. I’d also like to acknowledge the help and support of my family - without them, none of this would have been possible." 

ACS is the largest scientific professional society in the world, and one of the leading source of authoritative scientific information. According to their website, only two to four members out 10,000, or about 0.03% of its 160,000 members worldwide, are selected as fellows each year.