Jorge Gardea-Torresdey, PhD, chairman of the Department of Chemistry and Dudley Professor of Chemistry and Environmental Science & Engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso, was named one of 10 Piper Professors for superior teaching at the college level by The Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation. The distinction is one of the most prestigious awards bestowed on a higher education professor in the State of Texas. Gardea-Torresday was recognized for his ground-breaking work in microscopic nanoparticles while keeping the academic interests of his students a priority.

"In Dr. Gardea's 20-year tenure on this campus, he has strengthened UTEP's international reputation as a research institution with his groundbreaking work on nanoparticles with potential for medical and environmental applications,” said UTEP President Diana Natalicio. “His research success has always been combined with a strong commitment to teaching, mentoring and serving as a role model to Hispanic students."

He will be recognized for his Piper honor during the University’s Fall Convocation in September. He is the 13th professor from UTEP to achieve this honor since the San Antonio-based program began to present the awards in 1958.