A.P. Black Research Award

History of the A.P. Black Research Award

A.P. and Charles Black both dedicated their lives to supplying people with clean, reliable water. Learn more about their dedication, impact and history in the 2020 connections article Humble scientist still impacting water treatment, 40 years after death.

2020 Recipient

Dr. Paul Westerhoff, Arizona Section
Dr. Paul Westerhoff is a Regents Professor and Fulton Chair in the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University (ASU), in which he served as the founding director. He has a bachelor's degree from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa., a master's degree from the University of Massachusetts–Amherst, and a PhD from the University of Colorado–Boulder.
As listed in his nomination for the award, "Paul has made well‐regarded and widely cited contributions to areas as diverse as characterization of natural organic matter, control of nitrogenous organics, removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products, performance of membrane processes, and especially nanotechnology … Paul is simply one of the most productive and collaborative researchers in our field today. He is known around the world and his active participation is highly sought by conference organizers, research center directors, and thought leaders in the water sector."

Purpose of the award: This award was established in 1967 in honor of Dr. A. P. Black to recognize outstanding research contributions to water science and water supply rendered over an appreciable period of time.

The award: An A.P. Black Research Award Plaque.

Frequency of the award: As deserved, but not more than once each year.

Eligibility for the award: Individual members of AWWA, excluding current members of the Water Science & Research Division Board of Trustees, are eligible. Organizations are not eligible, nor are previous recipients of the award.

Entry requirements: Each nomination should include the following:

• The nominee's full name, title, mailing address and telephone number.
• The year the nominee became an AWWA member.
• A summary of the nominee's professional experience.
• A summary of the nominee's professional service, especially to AWWA.
• A summary of the nominee's previous professional recognition (awards, honors, etc.).
• A statement (two pages maximum) describing the principal contributions of the nominee and the significance of those contributions to the water works industry.
• A complete resume, including a description of the nominee's educational background and a listing of publications related to the nominee's significant contributions.
• Signed statements from at least two seconders (preferably not from the nominator's or the nominee's organizations) testifying to the significance of the cited contributions.

Nomination procedure: Nominations for the award will be solicited by mailing a notice to sections, divisions, councils, and other individuals or groups within AWWA. Nominations may be submitted by AWWA members, sections, committees, divisions, or councils. Nominations will be considered valid for a period of three years. Self-nominations will not be accepted. Send nomination package to American Water Works Association, Attn: Executive Dept., 6666 W. Quincy Ave., Denver, CO 80235.

Nominating or submission deadline: Nominations must be received by October 1 to be assured of receiving full consideration.

Award committee membership: The award committee shall be the Water Science & Research Division Board of Trustees. Current members of the award committee are not eligible for the award.

Method of selecting award recipient: The selection committee shall review the nominations at its fall meeting and shall select, from among those candidates who are qualified, the individual judged to be most deserving of the award. The committee shall then submit the name of the individual to the Board of Directors for approval at its winter meeting.

Presentation of the award: The award will be presented during the American Water Works Association Annual Conference and Exposition.

Past Recipients

1986
No Award Given

1985
Robert A. Baker
Alabama-Mississippi Section

1984
Edwin E. Geldreich
Ohio Section

1983
J. Edward Singley
Florida Section

1982
John L. Cleasby
Iowa Section

1981
James M. Symons
Ohio Section

1980
Francis M. Middleton
Florida Section

1979
Aaron A. Rosen
Ohio Section

1978
E. Robert Baumann
Iowa Section

1977
Richard L. Woodward
New England Section

1976
Herbert E. Hudson Jr.
Florida Section

1975
Kenneth E. Shull
Pennsylvania Section

1971-74
No Award Given

1970
Gordon G. Robeck
California-Nevada Section

1968-69
No Award Given

1967
Alvin P. Black
Florida Section