IMSA Board of Trustees Elects Nuñez New Chairman
For Immediate Release, December 2003
For comment, contact Brenda Buschbacher at
(630) 907-5033
AURORA —The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) has elected Oak Park resident Dr. Luis Nuñez as its new chairman.
Dr. Nuñez is Deputy Associate Laboratory Director in the Physical, Biological, and Computing Sciences Directorate at Argonne National Laboratory. In this role, Nuñez leads research and development efforts in the areas of Nanotechnology, Material Sciences, Physics, Higher Energy Physics, Mathematics and Computing Sciences, Biosciences, the Rare Isotope Accelerator Initiative and educational programs.
Sugar Grove resident James Pearson, retired president of Aurora Metals Division, L.L.C. and founding board chairman of the IMSA Board of Trustees, said Nuñez brings the skills, experience and leadership needed at this critical time in IMSA's history.
“It's been extremely gratifying over the past 18 years to be a part of IMSA's ‘first generation' success as the Academy grew to be an internationally recognized leader in math and science education,” Pearson said. “Now it's time to define what IMSA's ‘next generation' role will be, in light of evolving State needs. As a scientist of national influence, Dr. Nuñez serves as an impressive role model for students and alumni, and his leadership will help to shape, inspire and fully realize next generation IMSA.”
Dr. Nuñez is an active member of the American Chemical Society, American Physical Society and Sigma Xi-Argonne Chapter. He received his M.S. in Physical Chemistry from DePaul University in Chicago and his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
Most recently, Dr. Nuñez assisted the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) with the development of a new nuclear reactor research and development program while on assignment as a Staff Scientist from September 2001 to September 2002.
Located in Aurora , Illinois , IMSA ® is an internationally- recognized pioneering educational institution created by the State to develop talent and stimulate excellence in teaching and learning in mathematics, science and technology. IMSA's advanced residential college preparatory program enrolls 650 academically talented Illinois students in grades 10-12. More than 17,000 teachers and 26,000 students in Illinois and beyond have benefited from services of The Center@IMSA, the Academy unit that provides statewide professional development and enrichment programs. IMSA serves the people of Illinois through innovative instructional programs, public and private partnerships, policy leadership and action research.