2003 Distinguished Achievement Award

Dr. Frederick J. Heldrich is a Professor of Chemistry and Director of Undergraduate Research. He received his Ph.D. from Emory University in 1980, and his B.S.,Washington and Lee University in 1976. Dr. Heldrich’s research interests include natural products synthesis and synthetic methodology, and electroorganic synthesis. He has numerous publications.

Dr. Heldrich is a member of the following professional organizations: Alpha Chi Sigma, American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Chemical Society, Council on Undergraduate Research, Sigma Xi, and South Carolina Academy of Science.

Dr. Heldrich has brought to the position of Director of Undergraduate Research not only a long-standing personal commitment to these activities , but also administrative experience, and a reputation for integrity and excellence in all he does.

Dr. Heldrich's service related to institutional support of undergraduate research include:
• In 1989, initiated the first annual College of Charleston Research Poster Session to highlight undergraduate research, and helped to coordinate the poster session through 1992.
• Successfully petitioned the College of Charleston administration to sign up as an Institutional Member of the Council of Undergraduate Research.
• Part of a three-member College of Charleston team in attendance at a PKAL faculty workshop on inter-disciplinary study in teaching and in undergraduate research.
• Appointed as first campus wide Director of Undergraduate Research in early 2003.

Dr. Heldrich has served as a role model for the School and the entire campus. The School has also been grateful over the years not only by his boundless energy and enthusiasm but by his dedication to the achievement of excellence in his work with students. His work with one student resulted in a joint publication in the Journal of Organic Chemistry, the premier journal in the field—a feat unmatched by anyone else here and by almost any other undergraduate institution. Dr. Heldrich pulls out the best in students, not only the best students, but average students as well. He has been a leader in developing and promoting recognition for research achievement by students from all majors.