Willimantic, Conn. – Njeri Dodson, a freshman from Bridgeport majoring in biology, is Eastern Connecticut State University’s 2014 CRC (Chemical Rubber Company) Press Chemistry Achievement Award winner. The award is given annually at more than 2,000 universities, colleges and high schools worldwide, and recognizes one student per institution for their outstanding academic achievement in chemistry.
The award is given to young people embarking on a career in science, and is intended to inspire the upcoming scientists of tomorrow. Dodson was selected for having the highest total test score of all students taking general chemistry in the 2013-14 academic year at Eastern.
Dodson admits to not having a solid background in chemistry after leaving high school. “I feel surprised and proud to have received this award!” she said. “It never crossed my mind that I would achieve an honor this great just by trying to catch up to the rest.”
Professor of Chemistry Charles Wynn, general chemistry coordinator at Eastern, made the determination and announced the award. Dodson also received a commemorative scroll and copy of the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics.
Dodson plans to enroll in medical school in preparation for a career as a physician. “I want to be a doctor—not sure which kind yet—but chemistry definitely fits into my career goals,” concluded Dodson.