U.VA. SCIENTIST WINS PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR MENTORING

	CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Oct. 2 -- University of Virginia
associate professor of environmental sciences Janet S. Herman was
honored at a White House ceremony last week for her work in
"enhancing the participation of underrepresented groups in
science."  The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science
Mentoring was presented to 10 individuals and six institutional
representatives from around the country by John H. Gibbons,
assistant to the President and director of the White House Office of
Science and Technology Policy.  Recipients were each given a $10,000
grant and a certificate signed by President Clinton.
	Herman, who has taught at the University since 1982, has
advised 22 students in geochemistry beyond the bachelor's degree
level.  Of these, 17 are women, a remarkably high percentage in a
field long dominated by men.  Letters in support of her nomination
for the Presidential award were written by current and former
undergraduate and graduate students.  In addition, Herman's
volunteer work with elementary school children was recognized.
	Herman uses such simple, but effective, techniques as weekly
brown bag lunches and birthday celebrations for current and former
students to, she says, "create an environment in which students
receive support not only from me, but also from each other." 
	In addition to working very closely with a small group of
students in the environmental sciences department, Herman is also
the director of an interdisciplinary program that brings scientists
and engineers together to study the complex problems of groundwater
contamination.  This program has as one of its goals the
encouragement of women and other underrepresented groups in
science.  In all of her mentoring, Herman says, "I'm willing to
counsel students not only about scientific matters, but also about
personal concerns as well.  Because my students and I are in the
field and in the lab together, close relationships often develop.  I
try to build a sense of group effort; I want the students to feel a
sense of enfranchisement in a greater enterprise."  Evidence of the
success of her approach lies in the fact that Herman remains in
regular contact with 21 of the 22 students she has advised over the
years.
	Herman received a B.S. in geological sciences and a Ph.D. in
geochemistry from Pennsylvania State University, where, she says,
she herself had an excellent mentor.
	About the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mentoring,
Herman remarks, "I am extremely flattered by this honor.  Although
it is very time-consuming to be a mentor, I believe that there is
real value in the intense, supportive relationship between student
and advisor.  Recognition of this has now come from the highest
level."
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October 1, 1996
	For interviews, Janet Herman may be reached at (804)
924-0553 or 924-7761 or via e-mail at jsh5w@virginia.edu.
Television reporters should call our TV News Office at (804)
924-7550.