News Release

Univ. of Miami professor receives distinguished Goldschmidt Geochemistry Award

Frank Millero is honored for his outstanding contributions to the field of marine geochemistry

Grant and Award Announcement

University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science

Dr. Frank Millero, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science

image: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science marine chemist Frank Millero is the 2011 recipient of the prestigious V. M. Goldschmidt Award. The Geochemical Society and European Association of Geochemistry jointly award this honor to scientists for their major achievements to the field of geochemistry. The medal is traditionally awarded at a ceremony during the V. M. Goldschmidt Conference, which this year will be held in Prague in August. view more 

Credit: UM/RSMAS

MIAMI – February 7, 2011 -- University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science chemist is the 2011 recipient of the prestigious V. M. Goldschmidt Award. The Geochemical Society honor is awarded to Rosenstiel School marine chemistry professor Frank Millero for his major achievements to the field of geochemistry. The medal is traditionally awarded during a ceremony at the V. M. Goldschmidt Conference, which this year will be held in Prague in August.

"This is truly a great honor," said Millero. "I am privileged to be among this distinguished group of geochemists."

Victor Moritz Goldschmidt was a chemist considered to be the founder of modern geochemistry and crystal chemistry, developer of the Goldschmidt Classification of elements. The Goldschmidt award has been given annually since 1972.

Miller is a leader in the application of physical chemistry to natural waters, and his work has defined the field for the last forty years. As director of the UM Rosenstiel School Marine Physical Chemistry Lab, he uses thermodynamic and kinetic principles to better understand the biogeochemical processes occurring in the marine environment.

His research group is involved in scientific studies to identify the global carbon dioxide cycle in the world's oceans in order to better understand how much atmospheric CO2, from the burning of fossil fuels, is reaching the deep oceans. Laboratory and field studies are also being made on the effect of organic matter on the solubility of iron in natural waters.

During the last four decades, Millero has made enormous contributions to the literature of marine geochemistry and chemical oceanography. He has published more than 413 publications in refereed journals, 32 book chapters, five books and numerous reports and abstracts. Noteworthy books are his three editions of Chemical Oceanography and his book Physical Chemistry of Natural Waters.

Millero has been recognized with numerous awards that include Sigma Xi Professor of the year (1989), ONR Ocean Educator Award (1990), Chairman of Geochemical Section of American Chemical Society, Gold Medal from Florida Academy of Science for Contributions to Science (1994), Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame, Warren High Schools (1995), UM Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award (1996), UM Provost Scholarly Activity Award (1998-1999), Fellow of the American Geophysical Union (1999), Fellow of the Geochemical Society and the European Association for Geochemistry (2000), American Chemistry Society Geochemistry Division Medal (2001), Carnegie Mellon 2003 Alumni Distinguished Achievement Award and Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) (2010).

Millero received his B.S. (1961) from The Ohio State University and his M.S. (1964) and Ph.D. (1965) from Carnegie-Mellon University in physical chemistry. After a brief interval in industry, he joined the faculty of the University of Miami in 1966. From 1986 to 2006 he was associate dean of Academic Studies at the Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science. He currently serves as associate editor for a number of journals, and since 1993 has been editor-in-chief of Marine Chemistry.

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The Geochemical Society and the European Association of Geochemistry jointly sponsor the Goldschmidt Conference, the premiere international conference on geochemistry.

About the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School

The University of Miami's mission is to educate and nurture students, to create knowledge, and to provide service to our community and beyond. Committed to excellence and proud of the diversity of our University family, we strive to develop future leaders of our nation and the world. Founded in the 1940's, the Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science has grown into one of the world's premier marine and atmospheric research institutions. Offering dynamic interdisciplinary academics, the Rosenstiel School is dedicated to helping communities to better understand the planet, participating in the establishment of environmental policies, and aiding in the improvement of society and quality of life. For more information, please visit www.rsmas.miami.edu.


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