THIBODAUX, La. – Dr. Chad Young, professor of physics at Nicholls State University, was named the 2022 Winner of the Louisiana Science Teachers Association William Craig Outstanding University Educator Award.
Professor Chad Young has taught at Nicholls since 2005, leading research projects for NSF, NASA, LaSIP, MSP and Nicholls Research Council with interests in star formation, physics education and the physics of human performance. He is an astronomer, educator and passionate advocate for students.
“As an educator and former administrator, I appreciate science for the portal it offers to students. I was a first-generation college student; my dad worked at a tire shop, and my mom cleaned houses. With a modest ability and strong penchant for math and science, I found opportunities allowing me to discover new stars, develop new ideas and change the way we see this world,” said Dr. Young. “STEM education provides similar opportunities for our Bayou region students. So many of our Nicholls Chemistry graduates have blazed trails into medicine, material science, chemistry, astronomy, industry and other areas of research. They are curing our diseases, protecting our communities, and, literally, changing the world for generations. In their hands, STEM is an incredibly powerful tool.”
Young earned his PhD from the University of Texas at Austin in 2005 and an MDiv from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 2019. In 2014, Young received the Nicholls’ Presidential Award for Teaching Excellence, awarded to one faculty member annually, and in 2017, received the Nicholls’ Apple Award for Outstanding Faculty Support for Student Activities.
To learn more about Nicholls Chemistry and Physical Sciences, visit https://www.nicholls.edu/chemistry/.
The Louisiana Science Teachers Association has instituted an award to honor the memory of the late Dr. William W. Craig, Professor of Geology at the University of New Orleans. Dr. Craig’s influence upon K-12 educators was profound, even though his area of work was that of a research scientist. This award seeks to recognize University faculty members who, like Dr. Craig, have reached out to K-12 educators and made a difference in their careers. The William Craig Outstanding University Educator Award consists of a $100 gift certificate, an award plaque and recognition in the LASER.
More information about the award and LSTA can be found at their website: https://lsta.info/awards.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, March 15, 2023
MEDIA CONTACT: Jerad David, Director of Communications,
985.448.4303 or jerad.david@nicholls.edu
