By Cynthia Hubert

January 07, 2021

CSU has recognized Sacramento State Chemistry Professor Katherine McReynolds for her contributions to the development of biotechnology programs.

McReynolds received the Andreoli Faculty Service Award from CSU’s Program for Education and Research in Biotechnology, or CSUPERB.

The award is named for the late Anthony Andreoli, a longtime Chemistry professor at CSU Los Angeles, who was known for his commitment to providing opportunities in higher education to under-represented students.

McReynolds has been a “hyperactive member” of the CSUPERB community for more than 15 years, San Francisco State University Biology Professor Mike Goldman said during a virtual award ceremony in late December. McReynolds chairs the group’s Faculty Consensus Group and Strategic Planning Council.

“Kathie has kind of an understated personality, always calm and thoughtful before she speaks, and always aimed with laser precision at the goal at hand,” all while “maintaining a very active research team at Sac State, and a loving family at home,” Goldman said.

She “will bring new meaning to the Andreoli Service Award, one we have yet to imagine.”

Lisa Hammersley, dean of Sacramento State’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, said McReynolds embodies the spirit of the award.

Most recently, McReynolds has been working on a National Institutes of Health-funded study of therapeutic agents that could block transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. She has supervised dozens of undergraduate and master’s students, as well as high school research projects.

Through her active participation in CSUPERB, McReynolds helps develop and support biotechnology programs across the CSU and beyond, Hammersley noted.

“I am delighted that Dr. McReynolds’ dedication and commitment are being recognized with this award, for which she is truly deserving,” the dean said.

McReynolds earned her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and her master’s and doctoral degrees in Chemistry from the University of Arizona. She joined Sac State’s faculty in 2001.

“One of my favorite parts of my job is guiding students in the practice of research, learning about them and with them,” she said in accepting the Andreoli Service Award. “I am so grateful for my CSUPERB experience thus far, and look forward to continuing to serve this great organization in the future.”