Joan Slonczewski wins Tomsich Science Award

Professor of Biology Joan Slonczewski received the Robert J. Tomsich Science Award at the April 5 Honors Day Convocation.

Established in 1995 by Tomsich, a Cleveland, Ohio, businessman and long-time Kenyon trustee, the cash award is given in recognition of scientific excellence in past and current research, contributions to the strength of research efforts at the College, and promise of continuing creative leadership in such endeavors.

Slonczewski's research focuses on how Escherichia coli bacteria survive in extreme acid or base environments. In her research laboratory, she and her students identify genes and proteins regulated by acid and base, which may become likely targets around which to design new antibiotics. Her work has been supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the National Science Foundation.

Also a renowned science-fiction novelist, Slonczewski received the John Campbell Memorial Award in 1987 for her book A Door into Ocean. Her most recent novel, Brain Plague, was published in 2000.

A member of the faculty since 1984, Slonczewski received her bachelor's degree from Bryn Mawr College and her doctorate from Yale University.

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