James Cowan Named Dreyfus Scholar

OHIO STATE CHEMIST AWARDED FOR TEACHING, RESEARCH; ONE OF 16

     COLUMBUS -- James A. Cowan, associate professor of chemistry
at The Ohio State University, has been chosen as one of 16
scientists nationwide to be named a Camille Dreyfus Teacher-
Scholar for 1994.  The honor includes a $60,000 award, $5,000 of
which must be applied to Cowan's department for undergraduate
education.

     Cowan, 32, a resident of UPPER ARLINGTON, has been
recognized with three prestigious distinctions:  in 1992 he was
named a National Young Investigator and a Sloan Fellow, and now
he is honored by the Dreyfus Foundation, which is dedicated to
the advancement of the chemical sciences.

     "It's nice to be so honored because it means that my work --
and, more important, the work of my graduate students -- is
recognized as significant," Cowan said.  The chemist, who mentors
eight doctoral students, studies what he calls "the molecules of
life."

     "We study how energy is created in cells, how to use natural
biology to destroy man-made pollutants, the chemistry of
genetics, and how the body defends itself," he said.

     As the award money is allocated over the next five years,
Cowan will use it to buy equipment for his lab and to support
graduate students.

     "The research I conduct with my graduate students is
strongly directed to their teaching and training," he added.  "I
see these awards as reflecting well on their dedication and
skill."
     In addition to his research with graduate students, Cowan is
teaching two undergraduate courses this quarter:  general
chemistry for freshmen and organic chemistry for sophomores.

     One of the youngest faculty members in his department, Cowan
came to Ohio State in 1988.  A native of Scotland, he received
his undergraduate degree from the University of Glasgow and a
doctoral degree from the University of Cambridge.

     "We're very proud of him," said Russell Pitzer, chairperson
of the Department of Chemistry.  "Professor Cowan is an
outstanding lecturer with the rare versatility to teach a breadth
of courses."

     The Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation Inc., headquartered
in New York City, recognizes and encourages the teaching and
research careers of talented young faculty at early stages of
their careers.

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Contact:  James A. Cowan, (614) 292-2703.
Written by Sarah Williams Scherrer, (614) 292-9475.


[Submitted by: GERSTNER  (gerstner@ccgate.ucomm.ohio-state.edu)
               
Tue, 10 May 1994 12:01:03 -0500 (EST)]
All documents are the responsibility of their originator.