ISU Professor Honored at Eastern Analytical Symposium and Exposition

An Idaho State University Chemistry Professor was honored at one of the nation's largest gatherings of analytical chemists.

Recently, John Kalivas received the Outstanding Achievements in Chemometrics Award at the Eastern Analytical Symposium and Exposition held in Plainsboro, New Jersey. Chemometrics involves developing and using mathematical models to answer chemistry questions. Kalivas’ research at Idaho State has included using big data to refine chemical analysis methods for handheld devices that allow consumers to perform chemical analysis in the palm of their hand, utilizing thermal imagery to recover serial numbers from stolen property, and much more. Currently, he is developing a virtual reality-based system that would help people make quicker and more accurate data analysis decisions.

“It was exciting to find out I was receiving this prestigious biennial award, and I am humbled and grateful for the recognition of my work by my colleagues,” said Kalivas. “I’d like to thank Pete Harrington, director of the Laboratory for Intelligent Chemical Instruments at Ohio University, for his nomination and Joel Harris, professor emeritus at the University of Utah, for his support.”

Each year, the Eastern Analytical Symposium and Exposition provides “professional scientists and students continuing education in the analytical and allied sciences.” The EAS Awards are selected by a panel of experts and honor “analytical chemists who have distinguished career achievements” and have advanced their respective fields through “superior work in developing theory, techniques or instrumentation.” 

In 2021, Kalivas was honored with the Jean'ne M. Shreeve NSF EPSCoR Research Excellence Award, one of the highest honors for scientists in Idaho. The award “recognizes the accomplishments of faculty members at Boise State University, Idaho State University, the University of Idaho or other state institutions of higher education who have previously been active participants in the NSF EPSCoR program.” 

For more information on the Idaho State University Department of Chemistry, visit isu.edu/chem.