The JD Patterson School of Natural Sciences at Baptiste Ouachita University has long history of teachers, students and quality distinctions. Dr. Sharon Hamilton, professor of associate chemistry and holder of the president of chemistry of EA Provine, is no exception. Adding to his many achievements, Hamilton has been appointed president of the Academy of Sciences of Arkansas, which serves as a means for state scientists to communicate with each other, to share the work they do and to promote the science throughout the state.
The rise of Hamilton to the presidency leads the organization of its first wife president in almost 10 years.
“It’s been a long time since a woman has been president of the Arkansas Academy of Sciences,” said Hamilton. “It was important to me that we have a representation on the board of directors as women in science.”
Dr. Sara Hubbard, professor of chemistry and holder of the president of chemistry of Nell I. Mondy in Ouachita, said that honor shows that the School of Natural Sciences does not remain in its own “bubble”.
“We are doing science with other scientists,” said Hubbard. “One thing that we really strive to do in the natural sciences, and in all areas of Ouachita, it is not only to be that person you see in class. We are collaborative and work with other people. We work to transmit science and continue to learn new things and ask new questions. »»
Hamilton illustrates by his service the qualities of a real leader. She cares about her relationships with those inside and outside the Ouachita community.
“What is the most rewarding of my involvement in AAS and these other recognitions is to develop relations with colleagues from Arkansas and with our students, in particular the Executive Committee of the Chapter of Ouachita American Chemical Society “Said Hamilton. “We have executive committee meetings with the student leaders of Ouachita ACS. It’s fun to get to know these students better than I would only do if they hadn’t been in my class and I couldn’t spend this additional time with them. “”
Recognizing the intentionality of Hamilton, the students of the ACS chapter of Ouachita appointed Hamilton for the teacher of the year, which she received.
“It’s a huge honor,” said Hamilton. “You always hope that your students think you are doing a good job and that you are good in what you do. It was really nice to be nominated and very special during the ceremony to hear the student read the letter they wrote by appointing me. »»
Hope Murphy, a graduate in biomedical sciences in 2024 from De Kalb, Texas, wrote the appointment letter. In this document, Murphy described how Hamilton has an impact on his students and encourages them to continue their studies with real applications:
Dr. Hamilton is a committed teacher, towards whom any student can turn to get help inside or outside the class. She works hard to reach each of her students where they are and is accessible. She encourages and works very hard to encourage students to achieve their greatest potential. It is a crucial component of students’ success in its class.
Murphy frequents the McGovern Medical School of the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. She attributes a large part of her interest to Hamilton and her link with her field.
“I chose to appoint it for the price of Professor ACS of the year due to the impact she had, both on me and on several of my major classmates in chemistry throughout Our stay in Ouachita, ”said Murphy. “She inspired my interest in chemistry and encouraged me to further develop these interests in a passion that influenced the career path in medicine. She has always been someone to whom the students could feel comfortable to talk about, and we knew that she was personally interested in our success and our careers after university.
“When I joined her research laboratory, she went beyond to give me creative space and the freedom to develop my ideas and lead my own project with its total support,” added Murphy. “She pushed me to achieve the objectives of the project, to network with other professionals in the field and to develop confidence and technical skills in the laboratory. She took me to conferences across the country and presented me to work in a national organization through the American Chemical Society. It was a precious mentor for me and was essential to the growth of my confidence in the professional sphere. »»
In addition to his academic efforts, Hamilton was appointed volunteer of the year by the central section of the Arkansas of the American Chemical Society for his awareness work with students in Little Rock, in Ark., Provides science to science The next generation.
“It’s nice to see children passionate about science and perhaps bringing some of these pieces together,” she said. “Much of what the local section is doing is with young children. They are really excited, and they want to go home and say to mom and dad and have experiences. I like to let others see what the chemistry of cool stuff is doing and what they can do with chemistry in their lives. “”
As a leader in class, on the campus and through the state, Hamilton represents well Ouachita in everything in which she has a helping hand. Her scope goes beyond her as she guides students to a better understanding and a new love for science.
“Sharon does a great job to incorporate other people and their gifts to give them a chance to direct. We also see it with our students in these different organizations. I think she is a good mentor for them, “said Hubbard. “I really admire his motivation and his mind.”
Ellie Bennett is a double major Junior Communications & Media / Media / Integrated Communications and Graphic Design de Little Rock, Ark.