Pitt-Bradford's Panah recognized by American Junior Academy of Science

BRADFORD, PA – Dr. Assad Panah, who has been teaching geology and petroleum technology at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford for 30 years, has a new award to add to his long list of recognitions and accolades.

Panah, who directs the university’s petroleum technology, environmental science and geology programs, was recognized by the American Junior Academy of Science for his support and development of superior pre-college scientific talent. Panah received the award during the annual convention of the National Association of Academies of Science and the American Junior Academy of Science, held concurrently with the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual meeting in Chicago from Feb. 12-16. At the convention, 250 junior scientists from 27 states presented oral and poster research presentations, which were evaluated by AAAS Scientists and members of the NAAS.

Panah is currently the president of the NAAS, which oversees the senior and junior academy of sciences in the United States.  He had served a previous term as NAAS president in 2003-04.

This is not his first time being recognized by the NAAS/AJAS. In 2004, he received the Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to the NAAS’s mission and goals. He also received a Distinguished Service Award in 2000 from the Pennsylvania Academy of Science, for which he served as president from 1998 to 2000. 

Panah is a fellow of two international science organizations: the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), which bestows fellowships upon members for their meritorious efforts to advance science; and the Geological Society of America, which grants fellowships to recognize those scientists who have made distinguished contributions to the geosciences. He is a senior fellow of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.

He holds a doctorate in geology from the University of Oklahoma, a Master of Arts degree in geology from the University of Texas, a Master of Science degree in geology from the University of Tehran, and a Bachelor of Science degree in natural sciences from the University of Tehran.