Honoree-
Joan E. Shields

From the time that she was a teenager, Joan Shields was fascinated by chemistry. Her innate curiosity developed into a serious passion for science, which has become her life’s work. Among her strongest influences was her high school chemistry teacher, who inspired her to test, investigate and experiment. Upon graduation, she enrolled in Regis College, where she earned her A.B. in Chemistry. She later completed her M.S. in Chemistry at Tufts University and her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at Boston College.

She joined the faculty at C.W. Post in 1968 as an assistant professor, rising to become chair of the chemistry department for 20 years. By 1986, her late husband, Jan Kopecky, also had joined the Campus’ chemistry faculty. Although her research and teaching keep her quite busy, she remains active outside the lab and classroom. She is the author of four books and 34 scientific papers and a member of the board of directors of the Chemical Heritage Foundation. In addition, Dr. Shields is a member of the board of directors of the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific organization. From 1995-1998, she served as chair of its board, one of only two women to hold the position in the society’s 125-year history. She also is the head of its publications committee.

Like her high school teacher before her, Dr. Shields has become a mentor and adviser to many of her students. She proudly cites the success of one student in particular, Dr. Nicholas Ramer. A devoted chemistry major who graduated from C.W. Post in 1995, he earned his master’s and his doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania, later returning to teach chemistry at his undergraduate alma mater. “There are only a few students who love the field you love. They make it all worthwhile.” says Joan Shields, sounding very much like the teacher who inspired and encouraged an ardent young girl years ago.

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