Sebastian Ciancio, professor and chair of the Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, has been selected by the Northeastern Society of Periodontists to receive the 2001 Hirschfeld Award. Recipients are recognized for their contributions to the advancement of periodontology through dental research and education, their contributions to the periodontal literature and their outstanding service to the society. The award will be presented at the spring meeting of the organization, which will be held on April 6 in New York City.

Maria S. Horne, associate professor of theatre and dance, and founding director of the International Artistic and Cultural Exchange Program (IACE), recently received the prestigious 2001 travel grant from Theatre Communications Group and the International Theatre Institute/U.S. Center. Horne will use the grant to travel to Krakow, Poland, to participate in the IV World Theatre Congress organized by the International University Theatre Association, of which she is vice president. The travel grant recognizes U.S. theater professionals who foster cultural exchange and artistic partnerships with their counterparts in Russia and Eastern and Central Europe.

Ruth D. Bryant, assistant dean in the School of Architecture and Planning, was elected in December to a two-year term as chair of the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.

Deborah D.L. Chung, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering and Niagara Mohawk Chair of Materials Research, has been named a fellow of the American Carbon Society. Chung also has authored a textbook, "Applied Materials Science: Applications of Engineering Materials in Structural, Electronic, Thermal and Other Industries," which will be published in June by CRC Press. The book covers structural, electronic, thermal, electrochemical and other applications of materials in a cross-disciplinary fashion, due to the multi-functionality of many materials and the breadth of industrial needs.