College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University

Leading chemist

Chemistry's Valerie Sheares named a leading American woman chemist.
Being honored is getting to be a habit for Valerie Sheares, assistant professor of chemistry.

But Sheares' latest award came as a surprise.
Sheares has been selected as one of the 12 leading American women chemists by the American Chemical Society (ACS). Sheares, who was selected for her contributions to chemistry, will be profiled in the ACS journal Chemical and Engineering News during 2002.

The magazine feature is part of the 75th anniversary of the ACS's Women Chemists Committee. The ACS is the world's largest scientific society

"This was not at all expected," Sheares said. "I'm completely surprised and delighted to be chosen. When I look at the list of women, I feel even more honored."

Sheares was selected for the potential impact her work with organic polymer synthesis will have on chemistry.

Sheares' work focuses on the design and synthesis of materials called high performance polymers. These polymers are plastics used in high-temperature applications such as aerospace, automotive or electronic systems. Elastomeric materials – adhesives, sealants, and coatings – are another aspect of her research.

This is just the latest in a series of honors Sheares has received since coming to Iowa State in 1996.She is currently serving as a LAS Master Teacher for her proficiency with assisting undergraduates with research projects. Last year she was selected as the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Faculty of the Year during the Veishea celebration. That same year she was also named Teacher of the Year by the Department of Chemical Engineering in the College of Engineering. And for the third time, she received a 3M Young Faculty Award last spring.

At the University level, she received a ISU Foundation Award for Early Achievement in Research in 2000. The year before she was recognized by LAS with an Early Excellence in Teaching Award.She is also in the midst of a five-year National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development Award given to outstanding new faculty who are beginning academic careers in research and education.

"This award was perfect for me," she said. "It contains both research and teaching components.

"I consistently try to challenge my students," Sheares continued.

"Chemistry is one of those classes where several students come in with an attitude, expecting to fail and have to retake the class. I try to find ways to calm them down and get them to learn the material. I like to get people to do the best they can regardless if it's in the classroom or in the lab."