Ballato Recognized for Work on Optical Materials

Dr. John Ballato is one of three people to receive the 2014 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Scientific Research. This recognizes his work in optical materials science.

Ballato, a professor of materials science and engineering at Clemson University, is also its vice president for economic development and director of the Center for Optical Materials Science and Engineering Technologies.

His “research in optical materials science has had a far-reaching impact, not only on the state but also the nation and the world,” said Gov. Nikki Haley, adding that his contributions to building the state’s research infrastructure have “increased the visibility of South Carolina within the global scientific community.” She also said that his work has “directly impacted the economic growth of the state of South Carolina and the southeast region.”

Dr. Apparao Rao, R.A. Bowen professor of physics at Clemson and the director of its Nanomaterials Research Laboratory, also received this award. Dr. Brian Powell, an associate professor of environmental engineering and earth sciences at Clemson who oversees the environmental radiochemistry education and research program, has received the 2014 Governor’s Young Scientist Award for Excellence in Scientific Research.

The annual award recognizes the global impact of scientists’ research in optical materials science, nanoscale physics and environmental nuclear chemistry. It is sponsored jointly by the governor’s office and the South Carolina Academy of Science.

For more information, visit: www.governor.sc.gov