Professor Joe Patterson wins Burton Medal from the Microscopy Society of America
Professor Joe Patterson of the UC Irvine Department of Chemistry. Patterson and his lab, among many things, work to develop polymers better capable of biodegrading in the environment.
The Microscopy Society of America recently awarded Professor Joe Patterson of the UC Irvine Department of Chemistry its Burton Medal in recognition of the work he and his lab have done to advance microscopic techniques and the analysis of the results of microscopic work. The medal goes to researchers younger than 40 years in age, and for Patterson it honors trailblazing work that includes, for instance, the first-ever observation of the self-assembly of biomolecules with metal-organic frameworks using cryogenic electron microscopy. Patterson also developed a technique that involves observing liquid polymer “droplets” that play a key role in understanding biological processes and the development of biosensors. “I am very honored to receive this award,” said Patterson, whose research also involves the development of polymers that can easily degrade in the environment. “I was very surprised but extremely happy when I found out. I think microscopes are one of the most important tools we have in science, so being recognized for my work in developing new microscopy methods means a lot to me.”