Mary Kochansky, a chemistry teacher at Suitland High School in Forestville, Md., has received the Middle Atlantic Regional High School Chemistry Teaching Award from the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society. The award was presented at the Society's 33rd Middle Atlantic regional meeting on May 16 in Newark, Del.
Kochansky has served as the head of the school's chemistry division for the past 10 years. As an educator and leader, she participates in new teacher workshops for county teachers, advanced placement workshops for teachers, and the science "road show" for elementary students. Kochansky was instrumental in developing the curriculum of the school's chemistry in art course, which is conducted in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution. She has also written chemistry curricula for Prince George's County schools.
Dr. Gwendolyn Allen, principal of Suitland High School said, "Dr. Kochansky has consistently displayed initiative, professionalism, and enthusiasm as a teacher. She has conducted many workshops and seminars throughout Prince George's County, the state, the United States, and abroad."
Kochansky earned her bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina, and her Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Colorado, Boulder. She resides in Adelphi, Md., with her husband Jan.
A nonprofit organization with a membership of 161,000 chemists and chemical engineers, the American Chemical Society publishes scientific journals and databases, convenes major research conferences, and provides educational, science policy and career programs in chemistry. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio. http://www.acs.org