Angela K. Wilson facts for kids

Angela K. Wilson is an American scientist who has done amazing work in chemistry. She was the President of the American Chemical Society in 2022. This is one of the biggest science groups in the world!

Today, she is a special professor of Chemistry at Michigan State University. She also helps lead the College of Natural Sciences. Plus, she directs a center that studies quantum computing.

Becoming a Scientist

Angela Wilson studied chemistry at Eastern Washington University. She earned her first degree there. Later, she got her Ph.D. in chemical physics from the University of Minnesota.

After that, she worked as a researcher at a national lab. She also took leadership training courses. Even as a child, she showed leadership skills. She earned the Gold Award in Girl Scouts, which is the highest award you can get!

Angela Wilson's Career

Teaching and Leading

In 2000, Dr. Wilson started teaching at the University of North Texas. She became a full professor there in 2009. She also started a center for advanced scientific computing. This center helps scientists use computers to solve complex problems.

She later took on leadership roles at the university. She helped faculty members succeed in their jobs.

From 2016 to 2018, Dr. Wilson worked for the National Science Foundation (NSF). This is a U.S. government agency that supports science research. She led the chemistry division, managing a large budget. Her work helped fund chemistry research across the country.

In 2016, she also became a distinguished professor at Michigan State University. She helped start the MSU Center for Quantum Computing, Science, and Engineering. This center explores how tiny particles behave. She also helped create a center for PFAS research. PFAS are chemicals that can be harmful to the environment.

In 2020, she became an Associate Dean. This means she helps manage important projects for the College of Natural Sciences. In 2024, she became the leader of the Faculty Senate at Michigan State University.

Leading Science Groups

Dr. Wilson has held many important roles in science groups. In 2022, she was the president of the American Chemical Society (ACS). This group has over 200,000 members! She also served on its board of directors.

She has worked with the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). This is a global group that sets standards for chemistry. She also led the chemistry section of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

In 2024, she was elected Treasurer for the American Physical Society. This shows her continued leadership in the science community.

Her Research Work

Dr. Wilson's research combines different areas of chemistry. These include physical, theoretical, and computational chemistry. She uses computers to understand how chemicals work.

Her work helps design new drugs and materials. She also studies environmental issues like carbon dioxide and PFAS chemicals. Her research helps us understand how these chemicals affect health. It also looks at ways to clean them up.

She has developed special computer methods that scientists around the world use. These methods help predict how molecules will behave. For example, her work helps design new medicines for diseases like tuberculosis.

Sharing Knowledge

Dr. Wilson has written over 200 scientific articles. She is also an editor for a science journal. She has edited seven books, including one about the pioneers of quantum chemistry.

She often gives talks about science policy and her research. She has given over 500 invited talks around the world.

Awards and Recognitions

Angela Wilson has received many awards for her contributions to science. She was named one of the top influential women chemists in the world. She was also recognized as one of the top 40 influential women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) between 2010 and 2020.

Some of her other awards include:

• NSF CAREER Award, 2003
• Wiley International Journal of Quantum Chemistry Young Investigator Award, 2003
• Kavli Fellow, 2004
• Eastern Washington University Alumni Achievement Award, 2006
• National Associate of the U.S. National Academies, 2007
• Outstanding Mentor Award, Dupont Science Challenge program, 2009
• Toulouse Scholars Award, University of North Texas, 2009
• QSCP Promising Scientist Award, 2010
• Research Leadership Award, University of North Texas, 2011
• Distinguished Women in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, 2013
• Wilfred T. Doherty Award, 2014
• Francis P. Garvan-John M. Olin Medal, 2015
• University of North Texas Eminent Scholar Award, 2015
• Michigan Women's Hall of Fame, 2018
• Outstanding Achievement Award, University of Minnesota, 2020
• MSU College of Natural Sciences Outstanding Faculty Award, 2022
• William J. Beal Outstanding Faculty Award, Michigan State University, 2023
• Iota Sigma Pi National Honorary Member, 2023
• Association for Women in Science Zenith Award, 2023

She is also a Fellow of several important scientific groups. These include the American Chemical Society (2010), the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2012), the American Physical Society (2013), and the Royal Society of Chemistry (2021).

In 2023, she was featured in an article celebrating women in science.

See also

In Spanish: Angela K. Wilson para niños