Two Faculty Members Receive SUNY Research Award

Dr. George J. Flynn, professor of mathematics and physics, and Dr. Jeanne Ryan, professor and chair of the psychology department, are among 52 recipients from various SUNY institutions being honored on Wednesday, May 4 at the SUNY Plaza in Albany. 

"This is a great honor for Dr. Flynn and Dr. Ryan," said President John Ettling. "The caliber of their research has not only been recognized within SUNY, but within their respective fields both nationally and internationally. One important part of their work is in the sharing of their expertise and knowledge with our students. It is an incredible opportunity for students to engage in research with our faculty."

Dr. George J. Flynn has become a recognized researcher in the examination, characterization and trace element analysis of interplanetary and cosmic dust.

He has been the lead and co-author of more than 60 peer-reviewed articles and publications. He has also developed and served as the lead investigator on many research projects, some of which have involved collaborative efforts with Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Undergraduate and graduate students at SUNY Plattsburgh as well as graduate students through Brookhaven have worked with Flynn on his research. His work also involves other organizations such as the University of Chicago, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Southwest Research Institute among others.

"I am delighted that SUNY is recognizing contributions to research," said Flynn. "I have found researching the early solar system very interesting. I examine cosmic particles to figure out activities that took place billions of years ago."

Dr. Jeanne Ryan is a licensed psychologist. Through her tireless efforts, the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) program was established at SUNY Plattsburgh in 1994.

Ryan works with children, families, schools, health care professionals and community agencies to ensure that the needs of those with brain injuries are met. Ryan served as the coordinator of support group activities under the Brain Injury Association of New York State from 1989 to 1999.

She has opened the TBI program to the psychology department for student internship opportunities. She also routinely sponsors students in her research and scholarly activities including national and regional presentations and articles in peer-review journals.

Ryan received the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1994.

"I am honored to receive this award," said Ryan. "At the same time I am humbled by my nomination for it because I know that there are many members of faculty and staff who are actively involved in the campus community." 

The Chancellor Research Recognition Award winners must be actively involved in research, teaching and other community activities. Their research must have student involvement and where applicable, they must be actively involved in the publication and presentation of their work.

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