ACS President appointed to President's committee on the National Medal of Science

President Barack Obama has appointed American Chemical Society (ACS) President Joseph S. Francisco, Ph.D., to serve on the President's Committee on the National Medal of Science.

"I am deeply honored to have been appointed to serve on the President's Committee on the National Medal of Science," ACS President Joseph S. Francisco said. "The National Medal of Science is awarded to distinguished scientists and engineers for lifetime contributions to research and development. It is our nation's expression of thanks to the men and women who have devoted decades to scientific discovery and achievement."

The White House released news of Francisco's appointment, as well as nominations and appointments for seven other key administrative posts, on Friday, Sept. 17, 2010. President Barack Obama was quoted in the release as saying, "I am confident that these impressive men and women will make valued additions to this administration. I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead."

Joseph S. Francisco is president of the American Chemical Society and served as president of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers from 2005 to 2007. Dr. Francisco is the William E. Moore Distinguished Professor of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and Chemistry at Purdue University. His laboratory focuses on basic studies in spectroscopy, kinetics, photochemistry of novel transient species in the gas phase — work that informs the scientific knowledge of Earth's atmosphere.

Provided by American Chemical Society