Prize Recipient

Mario Affatigato
Coe College

Citation:

"For high- impact research on optical and structural properties of glasses, stewardship of professional societies and journals, and extensive international collaborations, melded with energetic, compassionate supervision of undergraduate research participants."

Background:

Prof. Mario Affatigato obtained his undergraduate degree from Coe College in 1989, followed by his Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University in 1995.  After returning to Coe that same year, he began a research effort investigating the relationship between the optical properties and structure of glassy materials.  The work he continues with his students (over 70 to date) has expanded into laser-induced modification and exotic manufacturing methods like aerolevitation.   His research primarily deals with oxide glasses, especially vanadates, borates, and samples with heavy metals.  Prof. Affatigato is a past recipient of a PECASE award from the National Science Foundation (NSF), as well as other research grants from NSF and the Research Corporation in support of his work.  He is an active member of the American Ceramic Society, where he is a Fellow and past chair of the Glass and Optical Materials Division, and the American Physical Society.  Currently he is the Fran Allison and Francis Halpin Professor and chair of the Physics Department.

Selection Committee:

Laurie McNeil, Chair; A. Bug; D. Hall; H. Galloway; L. Rosa