Dennis ArpFowler School of Engineering Dean Andrew Lyon, an internationally known chemist, researcher and professor at Chapman University, was honored Wednesday, Oct. 13, with a Distinguished Educator Award by the Greater Irvine Chamber.
The inaugural Distinguished Educators program, presented at the Hilton Irvine, recognizes exemplary Orange County educators at all levels of learning, with a particular focus on programs in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics).
“It is a true honor to be recognized at the inaugural Distinguished Educator Awards ceremony,” Lyon said. “The Greater Irvine Chamber displayed great vision in establishing this event. By celebrating all of the educators who truly excel in their support of a broad diversity of learners, the Chamber is honoring not only those educators, but also Irvine’s tremendous history as a place for excellence and innovation in education.”
In his nomination for the award, Chapman President Daniele C. Struppa lauded Lyon as a dynamic leader in STEAM education who built Chapman’s engineering school from the ground up. He also praised the dean for championing the work of the school’s woman-majority faculty as well as raising funds to support free tuition for a large number of students.
“Dr. Lyon has made significant contributions to the field of chemistry, both within the academy and in private industry,” Struppa said. “His research explores the possibilities of polymer nanoparticles, and commercialization efforts have yielded patents that go into life-saving products.”
Recently, Lyon developed an artificial platelet technology designed to help the body heal from traumatic injury. He is among 63 of the world’s best emerging academic inventors in the latest class selected as Senior Members of the National Academy of Inventors.
“We at Chapman couldn’t be more pleased that Irvine is the home of our Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, where we are making a number of enhancements to fully realize the many advantages of our location in the Irvine Spectrum area,” Chapman Provost and Chief Academic Officer Norma Bouchard said in her remarks during the awards program.
“As the footprint of this vibrant campus continues to grow, our faculty, alumni and student scholars are making their own imprint on the world,” Bouchard added. “We look forward to realizing even more life-changing impact in this moment and for generations to come.”
