Dr. Amitabh Jha has been recognized by the Associated Alumni of Acadia University (AAAU) with their annual Excellence in Facutly Research Award. Dr. Jha came to Acadia in 2002 and since that time, he has become internationally recognized for his research in developing new cancer drugs and the development of innovative and environmental ways to construct novel structural frameworks of pharmaceutical importance.

As noted in his nomination, “Dr. Jha has that ‘something special’ that is required for a scholar to transcend to the level of excellence that few scholars reach.”  In the last seven years, he has published a remarkable 31 refereed papers, presented at over 50 conferences, and amassed over $445,000 in direct research funding and another $1.1 million as a co-applicant. In addition, Dr. Jha co-authored an article in the prestigious journal Science in 2008.

Dr. Jha is a scientist with a collaborative spirit and a continued interest in learning and student engagement is a critical part of his research program. He has been directly involved in the supervision of 6 post doctoral fellows, 2 PhD students, 4 masters students, 6 undergraduate honours students, 9 undergraduate research assistants, and 2 high school co-op interns. In addition, his research has attracted students from abroad which has enriched the research environment in the Chemistry department at Acadia. Dr. Jha’s students consider him a genuine colleague in the lab and a friend outside it. Many of his students have gone on to enter some of the top graduate, medical, dental, and pharmaceutical schools.

AAAU President, Mr. Bruce Phinney (81) noted that "Dr. Jha has placed Acadia firmly on the chemistry map and I am delighted to present him with the Associated Alumni of Acadia University Award for Excellence in Research."