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By Catherine Doss

Edward Valeev

BLACKSBURG, Va., February 19, 2009 -- Edward Valeev, assistant professor of chemistry in the College of Science, has been awarded a 2009 Sloan Research Fellowship to help further his research in theoretical chemistry.

Valeev is one of 118 outstanding early career scientists, mathematicians, and economists across the United States and Canada to share in more than $6 million in research money.

Valeev will receive $50,000 for a two-year period. His research group works towards accurate quantum-mechanical prediction of properties of molecules and materials. The group’s main focus is on the development of mathematical and numerical models and their implementation in computer programs. Valeev was one of only 23 chemists to receive this award in 2009.

“He is recognized partly for his prior contributions to electronic structure theory and partly for the exceptional promise of his ongoing and future research activities,” said Joe Merola, chair of the chemistry department.

Valeev earned his master’s degree from the Higher Chemistry College of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, and his Ph.D. from the University of Georgia. He joined Virginia Tech’s College of Science in 2006.

“The Sloan Research Fellowships support the work of exceptional young researchers early in their academic careers, and often at pivotal stages in their work,” says Paul L. Joskow, President of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. “I look forward to the future achievements of the 2009 Sloan Research Fellows.”

The Sloan Research Fellowships have been awarded since 1955, initially in only three scientific fields: physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Since then, 38 Sloan Research Fellows have gone on to win the Nobel Prize in their fields; and 14 have received the Fields Medal, the top honor in mathematics. Economics was added to the award program in 1983.

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation is a philanthropic, not-for-profit grant making institution based in New York City. Established in 1934 by Alfred Pritchard Sloan Jr., then-President and Chief Executive Officer of the General Motors Corporation, the Foundation makes grants in support of original research and education in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and economic performance.

Contact Catherine Doss at cdoss@vt.edu or (540) 231-5035.

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