Dr. H. M. Kingston Awarded Second $50,000 Charles E. Kaufman Award

PITTSBURGH, Pa, July 9, 2009 – Dr. H. M. Kingston, Professor of Analytical Chemistry at Duquesne University, was awarded the second annual Charles E. Kaufman Award of $50,000 for his contributions to the research of chemical influences in autistic children.

The award is presented annually to an honoree that demonstrates “substantial contributions to science for both the betterment and understanding of human life.”  Mr. Charles Kaufman, 96, established the special award fund at The Pittsburgh Foundation to “promote a better and fairer world by supporting those that can make a difference with science.”

Dr. Kingston is the Director of a focused research center at Duquesne that specializes in mass spectrometry and analytical chemistry.  “I may not be able to solve a particular scientific issue, but I can help others by solving complex measurement challenges,” said Dr. Kingston.  “It is an incredible honor to accept this award from Mr. Kaufman.”

Dr. Kingston has worked closely with Dr. Skip Faber of The Children’s Institute to measure and evaluate environmental toxins effect on autistic children.  He was also recently appointed to the Air Force Surgeon General’s taskforce to study future needs in healthcare to 2045.  Dr. Kingston has also worked with the Department of Homeland Security on health measurements.

“Autism is a growing concern worldwide,” said Greg Curtis, Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Directors and a member of the Board of the Charles E. Kaufman Fund. “Dr. Kingston’s exemplary work in this area of research is to be commended and is representative of the vision of the Kaufman Award to better our community and our world.”

Nominations for the award are solicited from selected colleges and universities in Pennsylvania that deliver graduate level programs.  Dr. Kingston was nominated by Dean Dave Seybert of Duquesne University.  Nominations are assessed for their impact in chemistry, biology or physics by a five-member Scientific Advisory Board.  Dr. Kingston was a unanimous choice.

The Charles E. Kaufman Award Fund operates as a Supporting Organization of the Pittsburgh Foundation with managerial oversight provided by a seven-member Board of Directors.  Mr. Kaufman worked with the Hagan Corporation, which later became part of the Calgon Corporation, up to his retirement in 1970.  He earned a Masters Degree in chemistry from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati.

For further information, contact:
John Ellis
Vice President for Communications
412-394-2647
Ellisj@pghfdn.org