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Congratulations to the Recipients of the Spring 2020 ACS Publications Librarian Travel Grant

Andrew Clinton
  • 5 min read

ACS Publications and the Award Committee are excited to announce the recipients of the ACS Publications Travel Grant for Librarians and Library School Students to attend the Spring 2020 ACS National Meeting & Exposition in Philadelphia: Joshua Borycz, Librarian for Stem Research, Vanderbilt University Twitter: @JoshuaBorycz Joshua Borycz began his scientific career studying chemistry and […]

ACS Publications and the Award Committee are excited to announce the recipients of the ACS Publications Travel Grant for Librarians and Library School Students to attend the Spring 2020 ACS National Meeting & Exposition in Philadelphia:

Joshua Borycz, Librarian for Stem Research, Vanderbilt University

Twitter: @JoshuaBorycz

Joshua Borycz began his scientific career studying chemistry and mathematics at Hope College in Holland, MI. He performed geochemical research with Professor Graham Peaslee for two years and, in his last year of coursework, developed an interest in computational chemistry. He decided to apply for a Ph.D. program at the University of Minnesota to work with Laura Gagliardi using quantum mechanical methods on materials for carbon capture and catalysis. During his time at Minnesota, he became interested in the scientific process itself and why publishing novel articles often took precedence over publishing and organizing quality research data. To learn more, he decided to pursue another degree in Information Science and learn more about how data organization within the sciences could be improved. He worked with Carol Tenopir and Suzie Allard at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, for two years on research related to the practices and attitudes of scientists toward data sharing. This research opportunity helped him to attain a job at Vanderbilt University as a Librarian for STEM Research in 2019. At Vanderbilt, he is teaching a Chemical Literature course, acting as a data consultant for research groups, and spreading the word about the many tools and resources provided through the library.

Clair Castle, Librarian, University of Cambridge

Twitter: @chemlibcam

Clair Castle is the Librarian at the Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge. She graduated from Loughborough University with a Joint Honours degree in Information & Library Studies and German. Castle is also a chartered member of CILIP, the UK’s library, and information association. She has worked for the University of Cambridge for over 20 years in various libraries and has been managing the Department of Chemistry Library service since 2013. She supports all research and teaching activities that take place in the Department. She has developed a particular interest in research data management – which she teaches to all-new Chemistry graduate students – and in scholarly communication and open research. She is also a Data Champion at the University: these are local experts on research data management and sharing who can provide advice and training within their departments.

Sharon Maria S. Esposo-Betan, Head Librarian, University of the Philippines College of Engineering Libraries

Twitter: @awong

Sharon Ma. S. Esposo-Betan is the Head Librarian of the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Engineering Libraries. She is responsible for all aspects of resources management, collection development, and overall planning and development. Her involvement in various organizations in the field of librarianship ushered her to teaching in the UP School of Library and Information Studies as Senior Lecturer. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Master of Library and Information Science degrees from the University of the Philippines Diliman. She served as President of the Consortium of Engineering Library-Philippines (CELPh) in 2017-2018 and President of the Philippine Association of Academic and Research Librarians (PAARL) in 2014. For her exemplary and worthy contribution to the development of academic librarianship in the country, she held various awards such as the 2018 Outstanding Academic/Research Librarian Award, 2016 Professional Service Award, and honorary membership to the International Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Esposo-Betan is a 2-time awardee of the UP Gawad Tsanselor Award (2009 and 2015), the highest and the most prestigious university award given to a professional who has attained a high level of performance, demonstrated good leadership and exemplified honor and excellence within the service of the people.

Amanda McCormick, Chemistry & Physics Librarian, University at Buffalo

Twitter: @mccormick_afm

Amanda McCormick is a librarian with the Sciences and Engineering Library at the University at Buffalo. She serves as liaison to the departments of Chemistry and Physics, where she focuses on providing research support and instruction to students and faculty members. She holds a B.S. in Biology from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, a J.D. from the University at Buffalo School of Law, and an M.L.S. from the University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education. Her research interests focus on the communication of scientific information and the intersection of law, science, and information. Before entering science librarianship, McCormick worked as a public librarian and an attorney. Among other activities, she volunteers with the UB Women in STEM Cooperative and has assisted in the planning of an upcoming UB Libraries’ sponsored conference focusing on the use of emerging technologies in teaching.

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All four winners will be sharing their experiences from the National Meeting in future ACS Axial articles.

ACS Publications would like to thank the members of the Award Committee and everyone who applied for the travel grant. Librarians and students should keep their eyes open for a call for applications for the Fall 2020 ACS National Meeting & Exposition in San Francisco.

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