Early Career Excellence

Ronit Freeman stands at a deskRonit Freeman has received a 2023 Cottrell Scholar Award from the Research Corporation for Science Advancement (RCSA), a foundation that provides catalytic funding for innovative scientific research and the development of academic scientists.

Freeman is an associate professor in the Department of Applied Physical Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is among a group of 25 early career scholars in chemistry, physics and astronomy recognized with the annual award. Each honoree receives $100,000.

“The future of science depends on innovation, diversity and commitment to student success,” said RCSA President & CEO Daniel Linzer. “These new awardees have been selected as much for their research and teaching excellence as for their potential to become change-makers at their institutions, in science and society at large.”

With the award, Freeman will develop a chemical framework for the bottom-up assembly of supramolecular systems with lifelike behaviors.

“I hope to decode the supramolecular assembly blueprints of life to drive innovation in biomedicine, nanotechnology and advanced materials,” said Freeman. “I am thrilled to join the community of Cottrell Scholars.”

Read the complete Carolina Story

Related Stories


A Teacher Toolkit, Unboxed!

Together, We Propel the World

Ask a Professor: Keith Sawyer