Interview: Joseph A. Gardella, Jr.
2012 AVS Recognition for Excellence in Leadership Recipient
The AVS Membership Committee has chosen Professor Joseph A. Gardella, Jr. to receive the inaugural AVS Recognition for Excellence in Leadership. The AVS seeks to recognize individuals who not only excel in science and/or engineering, but who also, through mentoring, have enhanced the careers of future generations who might not otherwise have considered or had access to opportunities in science, engineering, and technology. Their leadership in the effort to develop fully the world's human resources is critical to the best scientific and engineering progress.
Q: Describe a typical day in your life.
A: Balancing family concerns, especially for my disabled daughter, with a complex schedule of work related to K-12 teacher professional development, teaching, research and community outreach. Many days end with a public meeting on environmental issues in the community or environmental justice.
Q: What are your leisurely interests and activities?
A: I belong to a health club, which lowers my stress. I enjoy reading history and biography and international travel.
Q: Choose one word you feel explains you best.
A: Persistence.
Q: What do you feel you are best known for?
A: I'd like to be known for balancing family life with a consistent concern for developing human resources in academics, science, and community work.
Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
A: I love the challenge of working at excellence in science, mentoring young scientists, and working with school teachers. I'm hoping that my contributions to community and urban public education change the community for the better.
Q: Is there a quote you live by or that inspires you, if so what is it?
A: I have many. I like Churchill's quote "Never give in, never give in, never; never; never; never - in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense."
Q: Who has encouraged you throughout your career and/or life? Inspired you?
A: My parents, my family, my wife, daughter and son, who are supportive, and give me encouragement, while providing their own commitment and persistence as examples for me. My parents, especially their work ethic and commitment to the children they taught, to transform their lives.
Q: Did you have a mentor?
A: Many, my research advisers, Paul Tomboulian of Oakland University, Dave Hercules of Pitt, Ted Eyring of Utah. Bob Osteryoung and Janet (Jones) Osteryoung, who mentored me as a young faculty member. Henry Blount while I was at NSF and beyond. They each taught me parts of mentoring that I use in guiding young students, faculty and community members.
Q: How did you become affiliated with AVS?
A: I joined I think as a student at Pitt. I've been involved in AVS as a member, publishing articles, organizing conferences, and serving as a member at large for my whole professional career.
Professional membership is something I valued as a student, starting with the American Chemical Society and AAAS. AVS was a very different choice, based on my research specialty, but small enough for my participation to have high impact.
Q: What has been your paramount experience with AVS?
A: Organizing the 17th International Symposium on SIMS.
Q: Do you belong to any other organizations?
A: Many, ACS, Society for Applied Spectroscopy, AAAS, ASMS....lots of smaller groups. I'm thrilled to have been named a fellow of AAAS, AVS and SAS!
Q: What was your reaction upon winning your award with AVS?
A: Amazement, as it is the first year of the award, I am very honored to represent such a unique statement as a "Leader."
Q: What other awards or acknowledgements have you won recently?
A: Fellow of AAAS, Fellow of SAS, Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentorship (PAESMEM), several other community awards for my work in environmental outreach.
Q: What is the next big step in your career you plan on tackling?
A: Working toward transforming science/engineering education in Buffalo Public Schools, to transform the district's performance in educating students.
Q: If you could leave one piece of advice for our future generations, whether it is science related or not, what would it be?
A: Read.