April 7, 2021

SEC Announces Dr. Karen Wooley Wins 2021 Faculty Achievement Award for Texas A&M University

By: SEC Staff
SECU (Twitter: @TheSECU)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (April 7, 2021) – Dr. Karen Wooley, University Distinguished Professor of Chemistry in the College of Science, has been named winner of the 2021 SEC Faculty Achievement Award for Texas A&M University, the SEC announced on Wednesday.

Dr. Wooley came to Texas A&M in 2009, and her research into the synthesis and characterization of degradable polymers derived from natural products impacts sustainability, reduced reliance on petrochemicals and the production of biologically beneficial and environmentally benign natural products. She directs the Laboratory for Synthetic-Biologic Interactions and is co-founder and President of Sugar Plastics, LLC. Dr. Wooley is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Inventors. Recent honors include the American Chemical Society Award in Polymer Chemistry and the Royal Society of Chemistry Centenary Prize.

“A member of the National Academy of Sciences, Dr. Wooley is an internationally renowned expert in organic polymer chemistry and is one of the most influential and innovative researchers in the polymer science community,” said Dr. Mark Weichold, Interim Provost and Executive Vice President at Texas A&M University. “She is also an exceptional teacher and mentor who greatly enriches the lives and careers of her students and trainees.”

To receive an SEC achievement award, the faculty member must have achieved the rank of full professor; have a record of extraordinary teaching, particularly at the undergraduate level; and have a record of research that is recognized nationally and/or internationally. University winners will receive a $5,000 honorarium from the SEC and will become their campus nominee for the SEC Professor of the Year Award, which will be announced in April.

Click here to learn more about Dr. Karen Wooley.