ChaMarra Saner Received Chemistry Leadership Award
The Catawba College associate professor was honored for her scientific achievements and community leadership.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Chemistry
The National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers presented its 2026 Winifred Burks-Houck Professional Leadership Award to Dr. ChaMarra Saner. The award recognizes Saner for her contributions to scientific achievement and innovation.
Why it matters
The award highlights the accomplishments of Black professionals in chemical sciences and engineering while spotlighting influential figures within academic and research environments.
Dr. Saner, who joined the Catawba College faculty in 2015, maintains a career focused on chemistry instruction and academic resource management. She currently serves as an American Council on Education Fellow for the 2026-27 academic year.
The players
ChaMarra Saner
She is an associate professor of chemistry at Catawba College and an American Council on Education Fellow.
National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers
This professional society works to promote the inclusion and success of Black students and professionals in chemistry and chemical engineering.
The details
Dr. Saner directs the Science and Mathematics Academic Resource Center at Catawba College in Salisbury. She accepted the honor following a technical presentation delivered during the organization's Master Scientist session.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: Dr. Saner delivered a technical presentation at a luncheon.
September 24, 2026: Dr. Saner received the award at the ceremony in Cincinnati.
The Big Picture
This award highlights a specific career milestone within the network of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers. The recognition extends the organization's ongoing mission of elevating significant leadership milestones within the scientific community.
This recognition emphasizes the role of academic leadership in shaping future scientific curricula at institutions like Catawba College. For students and researchers, such leadership models provide clear benchmarks for professional development and innovation in the chemical sciences.
The takeaway
Dr. Saner's recognition underscores the importance of community service and leadership alongside academic research in the chemistry profession. Aspiring scientists should note that integrating technical expertise with academic administrative leadership can lead to significant national recognition.
Further reading
For more developments in chemical sciences research and academic achievements, explore the Chemistry section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Salisbury Post.
