Hal Harris

Hal Harris, associate professor of chemistry and teaching and learning at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, has been awarded the Academy of Science of St. Louis’ prestigious Outstanding Science Educator Award. He will officially receive the award at a dinner on April 22.

The award recognizes a distinguished individual or organization on the basis of outstanding contributions to science education or to the public understanding of science, engineering, or technology.

“I am absolutely delighted to be receiving this award,” said Harris, of Creve Coeur, Mo.  “It is a privilege to teach science, and I am fortunate to be recognized for something that I love to do. I am also lucky to have been able to work with some of the best science educators in the world, many of whom live and work in our community.”

Harris created and currently edits “The Chemical Education Resource Shelf” and the popular monthly column, “Hal’s Picks of the Month,” for the online edition of the Journal of Chemical Education.

In the printed version of the journal, he also edits “The Cost-Effective Teacher,” which describes clever and inexpensive equipment for laboratories and demonstrations.

Harris, who has been at UMSL since 1970, received his bachelor’s degree from Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, Calif., and his doctorate from Michigan State University in East Lansing.

The Academy of Science in St. Louis was founded in 1856 by George Engelmann, James B. Eads and other prominent visionaries of that time. Today, academy resources are entirely mission focused on expanded scientific outreach, education, resource sharing and the recognition of scientific accomplishment. Academy partners include every scientific sector — academic, public, corporate and private — from a broad range of science, medicine, engineering and technology concerns.

Visit http://www.academyofsciencestl.org/ for more information about the Academy of Science of St. Louis.