2009 Award Winners
Creative Research Awards
Creative Research Awards are comprised of the Albert Christ-Janer Award for distinguished achievements in the Arts and Humanities, the Lamar Dodd Award for distinguished achievements in the sciences, and the William A. Owens award for distinguished achievements in the social and behavioral sciences.
Albert Christ-Janer Award
Hugh Ruppersburg, professor of English and senior associate dean of the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, is a scholar of American literature, especially of the American South.Through his efforts to bring together literature of all genres, he has made a significant contribution to literary study—and to the cultural identity of Georgia.
Lamar Dodd Award
Andrew H. Paterson, professor of crop and soil sciences, plant biology and genetics, is a world leader in the mapping and sequencing of flowering-plant genomes. His work has yielded greater understanding of flowering plants’ common ancestors and also of the evolutionary paths leading to present-day plants that provide food, feed, fiber, and fuel.
William A. Owens Award
Andrew Herod, professor of geography, motivated by the failure of contemporary social theory to understand the lives of social actors, particularly workers, as fundamentally spatially structured, has explored the complex transformations of place that characterize “globalization.” He argues for a more nuanced, spatially sensitive approach to understanding global capitalism’s emerging geography.
Distinguished Research Professors
The title of Distinguished Research Professor is awarded to faculty who are internationally recognized for their original contributions to knowledge and whose work promises to foster continued creativity in their discipline.
Distinguished Research Professor
Leonard Poon, professor of health policy and management and director of UGA’s Institute of Gerontology, gained attention for his early research on aging and cognition, particularly for his work on memory and early dementia. But it is his remarkable 20-year program of research on the oldest old that has showcased his exceptional capacity for creativity and innovation.
Distinguished Research Professor
Sarah Spence, professor of classics, is a prolific writer on a broad range of topics from classical antiquity to contemporary rhetoric. She is considered one of the most distinguished literary scholars of her generation. Spence’s many pioneering contributions, her ability to bridge disciplines, and her strong national and international reputation combine to set her apart.
Inventor's Award
Michael Dirr, professor of horticulture (retired), has introduced more than 100 new plant varieties to the horticultural world and, through his lifelong passion for plants, has inspired generations of students, gardeners, and professional horticulturists. Many of his introductions are licensed worldwide; others have contributed significantly to the nursery economy in Georgia and the U.S.
Creative Research Medals
These medals are awarded for outstanding research or creative activity within the past five years that focuses on a single theme idenitfied with the University of Georgia.
This year's recipients are:
Research Awards Program ©2009
University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.
Office of the Vice President for Research |
The University of Georgia |
Text-Only Version |
Accessibility Statement |
Web Contact