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William J. MacKnight, Wilmer D. Barrett Distinguished Professor Emeritus of the Polymer Science and Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, is the recipient of the 2006 Division of Polymer Chemistry Paul J. Flory Polymer Education Award.

Professor MacKnight is recognized for his contributions to polymer chemistry education and research during his 40 year tenure at UMass Amherst.

As one of the founders of the Polymer Science and Engineering Department at UMass Amherst, Dr. MacKnight's educational accomplishments include a 16-year tenure as department head and 11 years as co-principal investigator of the nation's oldest operating Industry-University Cooperative Research Program. He has served as mentor to 48 Ph.D. recipients. His doctoral students are employed in industrial, government, and academic laboratories, and hold professorships at institutions in the U.S. and abroad.

Dr. MacKnight's contributions to polymer chemistry research have been recognized by his receipt of the Ford Prize for High Polymer Physics, the ACS Award in Polymer Chemistry, the Herman F. Mark Award, election to membership of the National Academy of Engineering, and many additional honors.

The Paul J. Flory Polymer Education Award was established in 1981 and is administered by the Polymer Chemistry Division and sponsored by the Rohm and Haas Company to recognize, encourage, and stimulate outstanding achievements by an individual or team in promoting undergraduate and/or graduate polymer education. Dr. MacKnight will present the Award Address at a symposium arranged in his honor at the spring meeting of the Polymer Chemistry Division in Atlanta, Georgia.

Rohm and Haas Company representatives Katie Hunt (ACS President-Elect) and Erica Martin (POLY Member-at-Large) were on hand to present Prof. William MacKnight (UMass Amherst) with the Paul J. Flory Polymer Education Award.