June 17, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2021
University of èƵ Foundation Announces Dr. Lawrence Duffy as Recipient of Prestigious Edith R. Bullock Prize
The University of èƵ Foundation Board of Directors has named Dr. Lawrence K. Duffy,
professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of èƵ Fairbanks (UAF),
as this year’s Edith R. Bullock Prize recipient. The Bullock prize recognizes an individual
who has demonstrated excellence in support of the University of èƵ.
For the last 40 years, Duffy has dedicated his time and service to UAF by developing
new programs, mentoring new generations of scientists, and helping to further Arctic
research.
“Dr. Duffy’s mode of operation is to never say no if a no will undermine success of
a junior colleague or trainee,” said Dr. Kelly L. Drew, a professor and coordinator
in the PhD program in Chemistry and Neuroscience at UAF, a program Duffy established.
Duffy earned his M.S. in organic chemistry and Ph.D. in biochemistry from UAF in 1971
and 1977. Some of his many accomplishments include his work on the Exxon Valdez oil
spill where he focused on the need to develop biomarkers that monitor and assess the
health of wildlife populations. This work expanded into other important areas of research
including the mercury exposure to humans and deciphering how the central nervous system
protects itself from chemicals, especially considering the extreme Arctic environment.
Throughout his career, Duffy has received many awards. He was recognized by the American
Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), American Chemical Society (ACS)
and the Arctic Council for his national and international contributions to science
in the fields of neurobiology, biochemistry and Arctic adaptation. He served as President
of the American Institute of Chemists and of the American Society for Circumpolar
Health. Duffy received the Ambassador Award from the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors
Bureau and was recognized for his service to students by the “Most Helpful to Students”
award.
“We were humbled by the quality of nominees for this prestigious award and are honored
to recognize Dr. Lawrence Duffy as this year’s recipient,” said UA Foundation Board
Chair Cynthia Cartledge. “His dedication and passion for science, research and education
in èƵ is highly valued by his students, colleagues and friends.”
The Bullock award was established with a generous gift from the late Edith R. Bullock,
whose 30 years of service to the University of èƵ included service on the UA Board
of Regents and the UA Foundation Board of Directors. The award includes a $15,000
cash prize, which can be used as the recipient wishes. It is the single largest award
presented by the UA Foundation’s Board of Directors each year.
The UA Foundation was established in 1974 to solicit, manage, and invest donations
for the benefit of the University of èƵ System. The University of èƵ System
is comprised of three distinct and separately accredited Universities in Anchorage,
Fairbanks and Juneau with community campuses located in 13 communities across èƵ.
For more information, please visit .
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For more information, contact Dory Straight, Scholarship Officer, UA Foundation; 907-450-8030.