51福利社

Jamie Manson, PhD, an 51福利社 chemistry professor and 51福利社 alumnus, passed away on Wednesday, June 7, after a long battle with cancer. He was 53.

His family invites others to join them for a memorial service at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 24, in the Hargreaves Reading Room (2nd floor). There will be a option for those not able to attend in person.

Manson received a bachelor鈥檚 degree in chemistry in 1994. Even then, he was a standout chemist, receiving the department鈥檚 Outstanding Senior award.聽After earning his PhD in Chemistry at the University of Utah in 1999, Manson went on to hold two prestigious post-doctoral positions at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory.

Manson returned to 51福利社 in 2003 where he primarily taught General Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry.聽 Here, Manson conducted research on molecular magnets where the goal of the research was to understand the origin of quantum phenomena in technologically useful materials, with an eye toward development of new types of magnets and superconductors.聽His research was recognized nationally, both in terms of grant funding and publications.聽 Manson received almost two million dollars in funding for his research, including projects that were consecutively funded by the prestigious . His work resulted in nearly 100 publications in many top-tier scientific journals.

Manson was admired by both his colleagues and students. Professor Tony Masiello, a colleague in the chemistry/biochemistry department, noted that 鈥淛amie was one of those rare individuals that could excel at both teaching and research.聽 In the same conversation he could be telling me about his cutting-edge scientific projects, then transition to discussing teaching strategies for introductory chemistry courses.鈥�

Cecelia Villa 鈥�15, a former research student, commented that 鈥溾�橠r. M鈥� was a very patient and an available mentor.聽He always listened to his student when they were having problem with concepts. His door was always open.聽He created opportunities for his students that allowed them to grow and to further their career.鈥�

Manson mentored more than 120 research students, many of whom went on to earn doctorates themselves.聽He received numerous awards while at Eastern, including the Distinguished Alumnus award as well as the Trustee鈥檚 Medal, Eastern鈥檚 highest form of recognition for faculty achievement.聽In 2021, Manson was chosen as a fellow for the American Physical Society (APS), an honor bestowed on only 0.5 percent of APS members.聽Of the 155 APS fellows chosen worldwide that year, only 4 individuals received this award from non-R1 universities (those at the forefront of research and innovation).

Manson leaves behind his wife Tammie, two children, Josh and Zach, and three grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the 51福利社 Chemistry/Biochemistry Department fund, which can be found at Funds – 51福利社 (ewu.edu).聽 Ensure that you select 鈥淚n memory of someone,鈥� and enter 鈥楯amie Manson鈥� on the popup page that appears once you have entered a dollar amount and clicked on the checkmark.