Ellen Fisher, a professor in the department of chemistry and assistant vice president for strategic initiatives in the Office of the Vice President for Research at Colorado State University has been awarded the 2020 Plasma Prize from the American Vacuum Society. She is only the second woman to win the award since it was established in 1999.
Fisher’s research group provides insight into the fundamental chemistry of very complex systems, namely plasmas. Plasmas are partially ionized gases that have a plethora of different types of reactive species, which the group works on deconstructing to better understand each one. She has served on the Colorado State University faculty since 1993.
“This award came as a real surprise; I did not even know I had been nominated,” Professor Fisher said. “It means an enormous amount to me as the American Vacuum Society has been an integral part of my professional life, and to receive this recognition is truly an honor.”
Dr. Fisher is a graduate of Texas Luthern University in Seguin, where she double majored in chemistry and mathematics. She holds a Ph.D. in physical/analytical chemistry from the University of Utah.