The David and Lucile Packard Foundation has appointed Dr. Martin Zanni, a professor of chemistry at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, to the Advisory Panel of the Packard Fellowships for Science and Engineering program. Dr. Zanni is a 2005 Packard Fellow and joins the prestigious group of scientists and engineers responsible for selecting a new class of Fellows each year from a field of early-career scientists and engineers nominated by the chancellors and presidents of 50 universities.
“Dr. Zanni is a renowned leader in infrared spectroscopy and has made technological innovations that are advancing biophysics, chemical physics, and photovoltaics,” said Dr. Richard Alley, Chair of the Packard Fellows Advisory Panel. “The impact that Dr. Zanni has had on the scientific community is immeasurable as his methods are now used across the world. He’s an inspiration and I’m looking forward to the insight he will bring to our advisory panel.”
Zanni has received many awards for his research including the ACS Nobel Laureate Signature Award, which he received twice; first as a graduate student then 10-years later as a mentor. He founded PhaseTech Spectroscopy Inc., which is the first company to commercialize 2D infrared and 2D electronic spectroscopies. Zanni has co-authored more than 170 papers and the book, “Concepts and Methods of 2D Infrared Spectroscopy.” He is also a co-inventor of several patents related to multidimensional spectroscopy.
The Packard Fellowships are among the nation’s largest nongovernmental fellowships, designed to allow maximum flexibility in how the funding is used.
“The Packard Fellowship was instrumental in my research when I needed the flexibility to take risks and try new avenues of experimentation.” said Dr. Zanni. “I’m honored to be able to support the next generation of scientists to explore their limits and expand our understanding of the world.”
Zanni takes the place on the Packard Fellowship Advisory Panel of another renowned “Martin,” Dr. Martin Gruebele from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne who is stepping down after eight years.
Gruebele provided critical leadership to the program and nuanced and thoughtful guidance in the selection of 156 Fellows.
“He has demonstrated throughout his career that research and education are inseparably entwined and that teaching students is as rewarding as the research itself,” said Lynn Orr, Packard Fellowship advisory panel member and former chair. “Dr. Gruebele is an example for all Packard Fellows to follow in their own careers.”
The Packard Foundation is deeply grateful for Gruebele’s service and contributions to the Packard Fellows program.
Since its inception, the Packard Foundation has awarded nearly $477 million to support 695 scientists and engineers from 54 universities.
