The Stephen S. Chang Award recognizes a scientist, technologist or engineer who has made distinguished accomplishments in research for the improvement or development of products related to lipids. This award is made possible by the Stephen and Lucy Chang Endowed Fund.
Stephen Chang came to the United States in 1947 and became actively involved in AOCS after graduate studies at the University of Kansas and the University of Illinois. He served on numerous committees, including the Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society (JAOCS) editorial team and AOCS Governing Board leadership.
What does the recipient receive?
- Jade horse sculpture
- US $1,500 honorarium
- Opportunity to present an award lecture at the AOCS Annual Meeting
Who is eligible?
Scientists, technicians, or engineers within the lipids industry who have:
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- made significant and distinguished accomplishments in basic research that have been utilized by industries for the development or improvement of products related to lipids
- not received the Alton E. Bailey or the Supelco AOCS Research Award in the past three years
How do I nominate someone?
Login to the Awards Portal to submit the following nomination materials and answer two questions about the nominee by August 19.
- Letter of nomination describing the candidate’s research and service in the fields of fats, oils and related materials
- At least three letters of support from individuals familiar with the candidate’s accomplishments
- Curriculum Vitae which includes a full list of publications and patents
Most Recent Recipient
Terry Isbell, Retired ARS Scientist, Bio-Oils Research Unit, USDA ARS MWA NCAUR
Dr. Terry A. Isbell received a B.S. in Chemistry from Bradley University in 1987 and a Ph.D in Organic Chemistry from the University of Missouri in 1991. Dr. Isbell retired from the Bio-Oils Research Unit at NCAUR after more than 30 years of service and filled many roles including Lead Scientist and Research Leader.
As a scientist Dr. Isbell has lead teams of researchers that introduced new crops throughout the U.S. Dr. Isbell discovered developed and licensed patents on new crop derivatives for lubricants and cosmetics. He also provided oversight for the analysis of thousands of germplasm samples per year as part of a multi-disciplinary team for the development of soybeans and New Crops. He has coauthored over a 130 peer reviewed manuscripts, book chapters, review articles, patents and 2 public releases of pennycress germplasm; nearly all relating to the development of new crops and vegetable based lubricants.
Dr. Isbell has twice served as President of the Association for the Advancement of Industrial Crops and recognized by them with the 2021 Anson Thompson Career Achievement Award and the 1998 Outstanding Researcher Award. Dr. Isbell received several technology transfer awards from the Federal Laboratory Consortium. Lastly, Dr. Isbell was inducted into the ARS Scientific Hall of Fame in 2022 and was part of a team that received the 2022 Secretary’s Honor Award for the development of Pennycress.