Univ. of Miami professor receives distinguished Goldschmidt Geochemistry Award

February 7, 2011 -- University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science chemist is the 2011 recipient of the prestigious V. M. Goldschmidt Award. The Geochemical Society honor is awarded to Rosenstiel School marine chemistry professor Frank Millero for his major achievements to the field of geochemistry. The medal is traditionally awarded during a ceremony at the V. M. Goldschmidt Conference, which this year will be held in Prague in August.

"This is truly a great honor," said Millero. "I am privileged to be among this distinguished group of geochemists."

Victor Moritz Goldschmidt was a chemist considered to be the founder of modern geochemistry and crystal chemistry, developer of the Goldschmidt Classification of elements. The Goldschmidt award has been given annually since 1972.

Miller is a leader in the application of physical chemistry to natural waters, and his work has defined the field for the last forty years. As director of the UM Rosenstiel School Marine Physical Chemistry Lab, he uses thermodynamic and kinetic principles to better understand the biogeochemical processes occurring in the marine environment.

His research group is involved in scientific studies to identify the global carbon dioxide cycle in the world's oceans in order to better understand how much atmospheric CO2, from the burning of fossil fuels, is reaching the deep oceans. Laboratory and field studies are also being made on the effect of organic matter on the solubility of iron in natural waters.

During the last four decades, Millero has made enormous contributions to the literature of marine geochemistry and chemical oceanography. He has published more than 413 publications in refereed journals, 32 book chapters, five books and numerous reports and abstracts. Noteworthy books are his three editions of Chemical Oceanography and his book Physical Chemistry of Natural Waters.

Millero has been recognized with numerous awards that include Sigma Xi Professor of the year (1989), ONR Ocean Educator Award (1990), Chairman of Geochemical Section of American Chemical Society, Gold Medal from Florida Academy of Science for Contributions to Science (1994), Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame, Warren High Schools (1995), UM Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award (1996), UM Provost Scholarly Activity Award (1998-1999), Fellow of the American Geophysical Union (1999), Fellow of the Geochemical Society and the European Association for Geochemistry (2000), American Chemistry Society Geochemistry Division Medal (2001), Carnegie Mellon 2003 Alumni Distinguished Achievement Award and Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) (2010).

Millero received his B.S. (1961) from The Ohio State University and his M.S. (1964) and Ph.D. (1965) from Carnegie-Mellon University in physical chemistry. After a brief interval in industry, he joined the faculty of the University of Miami in 1966. From 1986 to 2006 he was associate dean of Academic Studies at the Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science. He currently serves as associate editor for a number of journals, and since 1993 has been editor-in-chief of Marine Chemistry.

Provided by University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science