College of Agriculture's Bertsch Honored by the National Academies

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 22, 2011) – A University of Kentucky College of Agriculture professor recently was named a lifetime National Associate of the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences.

Paul Bertsch received this honor from Ralph J. Cicerone, president of the National Academy of Sciences, for his contributions and service to the National Academies, which also include the National Academy of Engineering and Institute of Medicine. The National Academies advise the government and public on matters of science, technology and health.

"I have treasured my opportunities to serve the National Academy of Sciences through the National Research Council over the years, and this designation is both a great surprise and honor," said Bertsch, professor of environmental chemistry and toxicology and director of UK’s Tracy Farmer Institute for Sustainability and the Environment.

Bertsch has served on several committees for the National Academies including two terms as chair and two terms as a committee member on the National Committee for Soil Science in the Board on International Scientific Organizations. He served on the Committee for Earth Resources in the Board on Earth Sciences and Resources in the Division on Earth and Life Studies. He also has served as an organizer or sponsor for thematic sessions assembled by the four earth science committees of the Board of International Scientific Organizations held at annual meetings of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He has been active in Board on International Scientific Organizations activities related to meetings of the U.S. National Committees Chairs, a network of more than 20 U.S. National Committees, corresponding to the various International Council for Science member bodies, which seeks to strengthen U.S. participation in international scientific, engineering and medical organizations.

Bertsch’s research focuses on how contaminants, including manufactured nanomaterials found in products such as personal care items, clothing and food storage containers, move through soil and whether they end up in the food chain.

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