Dr. Jillian Blatti Boland, Associate Professor, Pasadena City College (PCC), was recognized as the 2026 Silicon Valley ACS Teacher-Scholar Award winner on July 11, 2026, at Silicon Valley ACS’ Annual Picnic and Awards event. This award honors community college chemistry faculty who demonstrate excellence in teaching, mentoring and scholarship and who make impactful contributions to their communities through outstanding leadership and service. See the July issue of the newsletter for more details.
Dr. Boland heads an undergraduate research group through the early Career Undergraduate Research Experience program at PCC. Her research addresses biochemistry and environmental education, DNA nanotechnology, and the development of innovative educational activities which she implements in courses and outreach—including projects at the intersection of art and science. She leads the ‘Nanostars’ undergraduate research program at PCC in collaboration with Caltech, UCLA, and UCSB that focuses on DNA nanotechnology. This program has not only empowered twenty female students to become capable scientists and scholars on a pathway toward a successful STEM career, but also instilled in them the importance of mentoring the next generation.
