Dr. Al-Hamdani Named Editor of Alabama Academy of Science Journal

Professor Safaa Al-Hamdani

Jacksonville State University Professor of Biology Safaa Al-Hamdani has been named editor of the Alabama Academy of Science Journal, which publishes significant research of interest to a wide audience of scientists in many fields.

Dr. Al-Hamdani, recent recipient of JSU's Outstanding Community Education and Service Award (the Cleo and Carla Thomas award), has been teaching biology at JSU since 1992. He received a Ph.D. in botany from Oklahoma State University in 1988 and a master's in plant and soil science from Tuskegee University in 1983. He received his undergraduate degree in agronomy in 1977 at Baghdad University. Dr. Al-Hamdani was selected as a Fulbright Scholar for the 2001-2002 academic year and conducted research and taught at Yarmouk University, Jordan, as part of his Fulbright activities. In the area of public service, Dr. Al-Hamdani founded the Books for Baghdad project, which resulted in the collection of several tons of current college textbooks and supplies that were shipped this year to his alma mater, which was destroyed during the war in Iraq. His previous honors at JSU include receiving Faculty Research Awards from 1992-200, the College of Arts and Sciences' Distinguished Research Award for the 1996-1997 academic year, the Dean's Award for Institutional Service for 1995-1996, and the Faculty Scholar Lecturer Award for 1998-1999.

The Journal of the Alabama Academy of Science began as an annual publication in 1930 and became a quarterly in 1958. The Journal is fully refereed and publishes scientific papers reporting original research in any of the eleven discipline sections of the Academy. Each manuscript receives at least two simultaneous peer reviews. Timely review articles of exceptional quality and general readership interest are also considered. Invited articles dealing with science activities in Alabama are occasionally published. Book reviews of Alabama authors are also accepted. The Journal is administered by an editor and an editorial board. All members of the Academy receive the Journal.

The Alabama Academy of Science was organized in Mobile in 1924 with 40 charter members representing academic and gov­ernmental interests in science. In 2001 the membership consisted of more than 600 persons from all parts of the state. As science and technology have developed over the years, the Academy has broadened its activities and its influence, especially in research and education. In 1933 it established the Alabama Junior Academy of Science. In 1946 it started a scholarship program, and in 1954 the Academy undertook to sponsor several regional science fairs. A new visiting scientist program for high schools started in 1985, in 1989 a Science Teacher Fellowship was launched, and in 1990 the Science Olympiad began. Since 1927 the Academy has been affiliated with the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

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