UALR is home to the professor of the year, at least according to the central Arkansas chapter of a national organization dedicated to improving chemistry knowledge and education.

The local section of the American Chemical Society — a leading authority on chemistry-related information — named Dr. Anindya Ghosh its 2015 professor of the year after students from UALR’s ACS Student Affiliate Group nominated him for his demonstrated excellence in teaching and interactions with students.

Members of the awards selection committee chose Ghosh after reviewing students’ nomination letters, and the American Chemical Society’s Central Arkansas chapter honored him during its recent annual meeting at UALR.

Ghosh said the award was particularly meaningful because student nominations initiated the process. He values the opportunity to instill a passion for chemistry.

“We are in a job where student success is an important aspect,” he said. “I want to see my students be successful in their future endeavors.”

Ghosh earned an international reputation for inorganic chemistry research work and is well known for his expertise in “green chemistry,” an effort to reduce toxic chemical use, lower energy requirements and meet needs with low-cost, safe materials. That reputation was instrumental in UALR honoring Ghosh with the 2014 Faculty Excellence Award for Research.

Ghosh, a valued member of UALR’s Department of Chemistry, has had dozens of articles published in peer-reviewed journals and secured millions of dollars in funding for his research.

Many former undergraduates mentored by Ghosh go on to pursue doctoral degrees at universities such as Yale, Georgia Tech, and Purdue, while others are in medical or pharmacy school in Arkansas. He has mentored graduate students who now have jobs in chemical industries and state and national laboratories.

“I am really proud of them,” Ghosh says. “Without the students’ hard work and help, I would not be able to do anything.”