The American Chemical Society – Greater Houston Region Named Assistant Professor Crystal Young as the 2019 Younger Chemist Award recipient. Young will receive the ACS major award plaque and an honorarium at the ACS-GHS Awards Banquet on Sat., Oct. 19.

“It is an honor to be the recipient of the American Chemical Society Greater Houston Section Younger Chemist Award,” Young said. “I serve as a member of the American Chemical Society because of the value that this organization provided me in my career and my belief that it can do similar things for my students. Of course, I knew I had been nominated, but I am humbled by the work that I know goes into the process. I am so grateful to have been nominated for the award by the chair of my department, John Palasota,” she said.

Who Receives the Younger Chemist Award?

The Younger Chemist Award provides recognition of an emerging young chemist to the welfare and distinction of the Greater Houston Section, as demonstrated by contributions to education, research, sectional service and/or community service.

Dr. Young's Accomplishments

“Dr. Young’s accomplishments in teaching, scholarship, and service demonstrate considerable commitment to our students and their learning,” Chemistry Department Chair Dr. John Palasota said. “This award signals a recognition of these accomplishments by her profession.”

Young’s nomination highlights her teaching, scholarship and service. For her teaching, Palasota wrote “her dedication to chemical education and development and implementation of new teaching practices improves student learning. She has added new experiments and lab techniques while enhancing lab safety and waste management for students and the University. Young also makes excellent use of technology in her classroom. She looks for new ways to teach the complexity of organic chemistry in a clear and concise manner.

“About scholarship, Young has published peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. Young has many examples of community service including serving as a co-sponsor for the student ACS club,” Palasota said.

Young earned an undergraduate degree in chemistry from Texas A&M in 2008 and a doctorate in chemistry from University of Houston in 2014. She joined the University of St. Thomas Chemistry Department in 2014.