Mukund Sibi, University Distinguished Professor of chemistry and biochemistry, has been selected as the recipient of the 2014 Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Faculty Service Award.
The prestigious award recognizes NDSU faculty members with the rank of full professor who have attained distinction in their profession. In evaluating nominees for the honor, the selection committee focuses on the nominees’ service contributions to the community and the region, in addition to their achievement as scholars, teachers or artists.
Sibi, who directs NDSU’s Center for Protease Research, is a renowned researcher in the area of organic chemistry. His pioneering work in developing new chemistry of radicals has gained worldwide attention during the past 25 years. With more than 170 papers in peer-review journals, Sibi is considered one of NDSU’s most prolific scientists. He has been principal investigator for more than $10 million in research grants.
His numerous honors include the College of Science and Mathematics Research Award, Fred Waldron Award for Research Excellence, Jordan A. Engberg Professorship, Dale Hogoboom Professorship and James A. Meier Professorship.
“I believe the service Mukund has rendered to the department, NDSU, Fargo-Moorhead and the scientific community is unparalleled,” wrote Gregory Cook, professor and chair, in a letter of nomination for Sibi. “His eye is always on the bigger picture in how he can impact economic development, bring notoriety to Fargo-Moorhead and North Dakota, and to better the lives of students, faculty and employees in the community.”
Cook said Sibi is a regular volunteer for the F-M Humane Society and is actively involved in the summer outreach program Parents Involvement in Children, Nurturing Intellectual Curiosity in Science, known as PICNICS.
“In addition to being a warm, charming and witty man, Muk is an economic engine at NDSU and within the F-M community responsible for millions of dollars spent in the area every year,” wrote Allan Ashworth, University Distinguished Professor of geology, in a letter of support.
Philip Boudjouk, professor of chemistry and biochemisty and former vice president for research and creative activity, said Sibi also has participated in the Governor’s School program and recently was one of the organizers of a Center for Health Disparities.
“His impact is both broad and deep and is felt most acutely by students here, in the region and around the globe,” Boudjouk wrote about Sibi.
Sibi, who joined the NDSU faculty in 1987, earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Bangalore University, India, and his doctorate at City University of New York.
Sibi will be recognized at NDSU’s annual “Celebration of Faculty Excellence” in May.
NDSU is recognized as one of the nation's top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.