Assistant professor honored

Andrew Feig, assistant professor of chemistry, was named a 2002 Cottrell Scholar by the Research Corporation. He was one of 14 people involved in chemistry, physics or astronomy to receive the distinction. \nAlong with being named a Cottrell Scholar, Feig will receive $75,000 for funding of teaching and research projects. Excelling in both teaching and research are the basis of the Cottrell Scholar distinction. Feig's teaching resume includes C483 "Introduction to Biochemistry," C484 "Biomolecules and Catabolism" and C581 "Macromolecular Structure and Function." \nAccording to the eligibility guidelines set forth by the Research Corporation, eligibility for this award is limited to "tenure-track, beginning faculty members whose primary appointment is in a ph.D.-granting department of astronomy, chemistry or physics," and those who are "in the third year of their first tenure-track position during the calendar year of application." \n"We are looking for people who have the potential to become outstanding teachers as well as world class researchers," Ray Kellman, a Research Corporation senior associate, said. \nThe criterion that is then used to evaluate the applicants is based on both teaching and research proposals. The first cut of applicants is solely based on the teaching portion of the application.\nFeig said the teaching and research proposals are based on "what you have done and where you are going." \nHe also said his teaching methods differ from the normal standards of teaching.\n"I like to step back from the mode of teaching that says, 'Here's the facts. Now memorize them and take a test.' I like to teach students how to do the types of things they will have to actually do someday in a laboratory."\nOnce the first cut of applicants has been made, the reviewers look at the teaching and research proposals together to determine who will receive the award. Feig's research is based on the study of Ribonucleic Acid folding and certain RNA molecules that control protein synthesis. These RNA molecules can determine if a specific protein is to be formed or not. The study of this RNA folding is fairly new. \nFeig said there was a misconception towards his field prior to 1995. Feig studies the level of control that certain RNA molecules have in the formation of proteins. \n"Most people thought that the control of translation (of RNA into protein) was at the level of RNA," he said. \n"The Cottrell award recognizes contributions in both research and teaching," said IU professor David Clemmer, who will become chair of the Chemistry Department July 1. "It is rare for faculty to impact both areas so soon in their careers. We're very pleased with the recognition that this award brings Andrew and our department." \nFeig said he is going to use the $75,000 award for funding of his RNA folding research. \n"We are at the very beginning of these (RNA folding) studies. This is something that I will be working on for a long time"