John Herr named Va. Outstanding Scientist

U.Va. cell biologist John C. Herr has been named Outstanding Scientist of 2000, one of two top scientists in Virginia to be given the award. Each year the commonwealth and the Science Museum of Virginia recognize selected Virginians for their contributions. Virginia Tech chemistry professor Neal Castagnoli Jr., co-director of the Harvey W. Peters Research Center for the Study of Parkinson's Disease and Disorders of the Central Nervous System, is the other science award recipient.

The winners were introduced to the General Assembly at the State Capitol on Feb. 23 and will be honored March 27 at the Science Museum.

Herr, who came to U.Va. in 1981, has focused his research on the biology of the sperm. He founded and has directed the Center for Recombinant Gamete Contraceptive Vaccinogens for almost 10 years. Internationally recognized for his discovery of a unique sperm protein called SP-10, Herr's findings led to development of the first patented home-diagnostic tests for male fertility. His work also has applications for possible contraceptive vaccines for women.