05/22/2008

Department of Chemistry Staff Member Wins Nestor Award for Employee Creativity

 

The winner of the 2007 Paul Nestor Award for Employee Creativity at the University of Kentucky is Art Sebesta, a Scientific Technology Specialist II in the College of Arts and Sciences Department of Chemistry. Sebesta was nominated by faculty member Fitzgerald B. Bramwell for creative problem solving that saved the department an estimated $121,500 in equipment and training costs.

A 22-year veteran UK employee, Sebesta's duties include serving departmental research functions as the electronic and mechanical trouble shooter for the department and for affiliated research centers such as the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) center, and the mass spectroscopy (MS) center. He also serves departmental teaching functions as the designer and fabricator of instructional equipment, including but not limited to complex chemistry demonstration modalities. As the designer and fabricator of displays and teaching aids Sebesta also is a key part of departmental outreach functions. His work is seen at outreach efforts such as area elementary and high schools, regional science fairs, and museums such as the Lexington Explorium.

In nominating Sebesta, Bramwell wrote, "He is well regarded by those in the trades, in the support staff and in the faculty. He has the highest recommendation from the Information Committee of the Department of Chemistry. In short, he performs his tasks in a way not to bring attention to himself. But after all is said and done, he is at the center of maintaining the infrastructure that contributes to university success as a land-grant institution."

Sebesta received a plaque at a May 9 ceremony honoring all nominees. He also received a cash award worth $600 after taxes.

The Nestor Award is given annually to an employee who has "implemented more efficient operations, created a safer work environment, improved productivity and cost savings and demonstrated exemplary attitudes, initiative or creativity." The recipient is decided by a committee of university staff, whose terms rotate every four years.

Allison Elliott, UK Public Relations