| This Award is the namesake of Charles H. Townes, a native South Carolinian and Nobel Laureate in physics. With a concentration in quantum electronics, Townes is internationally known for his invention of the maser/laser. An inductee into the Science Hall of Fame in 1983, Dr. Townes is one of the state's and the nation's singularly distinguished figures of this century. A friend of GSSM, Townes addressed our first Convocation in 1988 and keynoted the Foundation's Celebration 1994 Banquet, personally presenting the Townes Awards. |
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The Townes Award is presented by the Governor's School for Science and Mathematics to honor those persons who go beyond the requirements of their professional positions to assist South Carolina in improving science and mathematics education at all levels. Created by sculptor Dr. J. R. Lischka, the award represents an abstract hand of man embracing a molecule representative of our ambition, outreach and continuing search for knowledge, understanding and application. The award is an original design, with the molecule made of brass and the hand of copper, mounted on a solid walnut base. Each recipient receives a personal sculpture, with a central award kept at the South Carolina Governor's School listing all recipients. |
Selected from a field of prestigious nominees, this year's recipient embodies the ideal of setting the highest standards for the teaching and understanding of science and mathematics. strong>The 1995 Townes Award recipient is:
Professor Martin is a "teacher's teacher" who believes it is imperative that science and mathematics instructors convey the interest, excitement and knowledge of these subjects to each succeeding generation.
Professor Martin is a product of South Carolina public schools and recalls her excitement for learning as a result of having good teachers that made learning a challenge. The memories of those teachers are still vivid. Remembrances include a tiny rural school in Glenn Springs and teachers Mary Rone West, Anna Wallace and Eloise Harrison. Professor Martin recalls the dedication of her middle and high school teachers Otis Gibson, Evelyn Creech , Mary Jane Doucette , Roberta O'Shields , Marguerite Foster, Clara Foster, Louise Mullins and M. D. Putnam . Frank Tutwiler championed her education at Winthrop. From such role models Professor Martin derives her desire to return some portion of what was given to her.
In fulfilling this philosophy, Professor Martin has worked to improve the science infrastructure to better serve students and teachers. She founded the Lowcountry Chemistry Alliance in 1993, and served as the Co-Director of the Regional Science Fair from 1984 through 1989. Professor Martin has worked extensively in the annual Woodrow Wilson Summer Institute as site coordinator in 1989- 1995, as well as coordinating the Woodrow Wilson Workshop Day (19 workshops) at the 1994 Conference of the South Carolina Science Council. Her work also includes coordinating and hosting the 1992 and 1993 Chemistry Alliance Program and the South Carolina Association of Chemistry Teachers in 1993.
In addition to developing and assisting organizations to promote science education, Professor Martin is also an outstanding teacher with a career in high school, university and college instruction that spans 30 years. She has been honored with both the College of Charleston's Distinguished Teaching and Distinguished Service Awards. Her current title is Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Director of Introductory Chemistry Laboratory at the College of Charleston. In addition she has held the Mebane Chair of Chemistry and Physics at the College of Charleston. Professor Martin has co- authored a number of publications including "A ProjectOriented Chemical Laboratory Program for High School Students" and "College Chemistry Laboratory - A Self-Paced Project Approach with Traditional Experiments."
Throughout her career, Professor Martin has served as an active member in many professional organizations, including the National Committee for High School Olympiad and the National Science Teachers' Association. As lead mentor for the American Chemical Society's High School Chemistry Olympiad, she served as head coach of our nation's team for the 1993 international competition held in Perugia, Italy. This group achieved the highest overall performance of any United States team.