Advanced Technologies’ faculty receives award at the national Health Physics Society
Alcorn State University Department of Advanced Technologies faculty and director of the Health Physics Program Jermiah Billa was recognized with an “Excellence in Health Physics Program Development and Student Mentorship” award at the annual Health Physics Society (HPS) meeting held July 13-18, in Baltimore, Maryland.
Every year, HPS recognizes outstanding individuals who have contributed extensively in research and service in radiation and related fields at the annual conference. This year, HPS initiated a new award to recognize individuals who have contributed extensively in student mentorship and development of radiation-related educational programs.
On the day of the awards presentation, the president of the National HPS, Dr. Darrell Fisher, commended Billa for his exceptional services to the society in student mentorship and the development of a successful Health Physics Program in the state of Mississippi.
Chairman of Advanced Technologies, Dr. Kwabena Agyepong, stated, “It is an honor to the department and the University for our faculty to be recognized at the national level. On behalf of the department, I would like to congratulate Billa for his hard work and commitment in expanding this program.”
Senior Professor of robotics and automation Steve Adzanu said, “This award is an outstanding recognition to a deserving individual.”
Billa, upon receiving his award, said, “I was surprised to learn that I was recommended for the newly initiated award in a society that has a history of more than 60 years and consists of experts with incomparable research and training capabilities.”
In his speech, Billa thanked his students, colleagues, Alcorn administrators and President Alfred Rankins Jr. for their invaluable support in research and educational activities. He also recognized the staff of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), staff of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and Los Alamos National Laboratory and his family members for their support.
