Dr. A. Frances Johnson Award for Science

Dr. A. Frances Johnson, professor emeritus of physics and mathematics at Rockford College, did significant research in two phases of biophysics. She studied the measurement of osmotic pressures of body fluids using the thermoelectric method and the differences of electric potential in living organisms. She was respected among her peers and was in the same crowd as Enrico Fermi, the designer of the first nuclear chain reaction. She was also in a very select group that was invited to witness the test explosion of the atomic bomb in New Mexico, an honor for any scientist of that time. Her honors were many, but her friends spoke of her wonderful wit that sustained her to her 100th birthday. This award is presented to a woman who has done significant work in the sciences or health fields.
 

2008 Winner

Dr. Lynette Danzl-Tauer
Nominated by Rock Valley College

Lynette has been a Professor of Life Science at Rock Valley College for 16 years. She serves her students both inside and outside the classroom. Inside she has earned the respect of her students as a great and caring professor. Outside the classroom she excels by seeking out students needs and identifying solutions and serving on various committees representing faculty and learning new perspectives. She continues her influence outside the classroom by volunteering her time at church and her children’s school.

Past Award Winners

2007 Linda Dries
2006 Karen Burton
        Dr. Ramona Cornea
2005 JoAn Todd
2004 Dr. Carol Craig
2003 Paula Carynski
2002 Judy Williamson
2001 Ginny Penzi
2000 Dr Christine Petty
1999 Dr. Connie M. Vitali
1998 Angela Rodriguez
1997 Linda Zuba
1996 Dr. Martha Pippitt
1995 Janet Moore

 

1994 Dr. Elizabeth McCord
1993 Dr. Paula Christensen
1992 Heather Peters
1991 Belinda F Roettger
        Carol J. Swenson
1990 Dr. Lida Kechavarz
1989 No Winner
1988 Jo Marie Paul
1987 Dr. Judith Gravdal
1986 Gulnar Poorsatter, M.D.
1985 No Winner
1984 Dr. Britomar H. Lathrop
1983 Sister M. Linus Novak
1982 Dr. Sherry Johnson
1981 Dr. Meredith Potter