The American Sociological Association held its awards ceremony on Aug. 7. Douglas Massey, Ph.D., Chair of the Sociology Department and the newly elected president of the association, was chair of the awards committee and served as the master of ceremonies. Awards went to:

• Randall Collins, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology, who was awarded the American Sociological Association’s Distinguished Scholarly Publication Award for the Sociology of the Philosophies; and
• Paula England, Ph.D., a Professor of Sociology who joined the faculty this fall and was awarded the American Sociological Association’s Jesse Bernard Award for distinguished career contributions to the sociology of gender.

In addition, Herbert Gans (Gr’57), who earned his Ph.D. in sociology at Penn, received the Award for Public Understanding in Sociology.

Math, physics, bioethics

• Jerry L. Kazdan, Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics, was awarded the Lester R. Ford Award at the Summer Mathfest in Providence, Rhode Island, in August. The award was presented by the Mathematical Association of America for an exemplary article in “The American Mathematical Monthly.”
• Fay Ajzenberg-Selove, Ph.D., Professor of Physics, was awarded the American Physical Society’s 1999 Nicholson Medal for Humanitarian Service. She is one of two recipients of this award, which she received for mentoring of young scientists, and for promoting international ties in science.
• Glenn McGee, Ph.D., Associate Director of Education and Assistant Professor of Bioethics in the Center for Bioethics in the Health System, was appointed in August to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation’s Clinical Affairs Advisory Committee. During his one-year term, McGee will assist the board on issues regarding stem cell research as well as with developing ethical standards in other areas. McGee, who is also an assistant professor of Molecular and Cell Engineering in the School of Medicine, has expertise in the areas of genetics, stem cell research, reproductive technology, end-of-life care and health policy.

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