By Ashley Vaughn
William Tong, SDSU professor of chemistry and biochemistry, was honored with the Andreoli Faculty Service Award at the 24th Annual CSU Biotechnology Symposium.
The Andreoli Faculty Service Award, given by the California State University for Education and Research in Biotechnology, CSUPERB, honors California State University tenured or tenure-track faculty members who have made outstanding contributions to the development of biotechnology programs in the CSU system
About Tong
For more than 27 years, Tong has researched and developed the uses of laser light. Tong’s research focuses on the early detection of diseases, the design and development of cleaner drugs, and the detection of pollutants and chemicals both inside the body and in the environment.
In 2005, Tong received an $80,000 grant from the Department of Defense to develop a laser program that would detect chemicals and minimize the threat of improvised explosive devices. The same year, he received the Albert Johnson University Research Award, SDSU’s top research award.
For three years in a row, he was awarded the SDSU Outstanding Faculty Award. In addition, he has received the SDSU President Leadership Award.
Recognizing achievements
As the recipient of the Andreoli award, Tong received a $1,000 cash prize and was recognized at the Annual CSU Biotechnology Symposium earlier this month. The symposium provides participants the opportunity to share their knowledge and most importantly, build relationships with industry professionals.
The event, which is a celebration of research, discovery and education, recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of faculty and students in life science. In addition to Tong, CSUPERB, announced a total of $40,000 in awards to students and faculty.
About CSUPERB
CSUPERB’s mission is to help develop a professional biotechnology workforce by mobilizing and supporting CSU student and faculty research. The program provides grant funding and serves as a liaison for the CSU with the government, philanthropic, educational and biotechnology partners. SDSU serves as a host institution for CSUPERB.
The SDSU chemistry program, in which Tong is a professor, ranks among the nation’s top chemistry programs according to the U.S. News and World Report’s “America’s Best Graduate Schools 2012.”