news-category: Alumni ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb Alumnus Honored with Prestigious Research Award By Office of University Communications On April 7, 2021 David Podgorski, ’07, Recognized for His Innovative Efforts in Chemistry Biology and chemistry graduates from ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb University, such as Dr. David Podgorski, ’07, make an impact around the world—studying in prestigious graduate schools, publishing in top chemistry journals, researching the COVID-19 virus, and serving in healthcare fields. They leave GWU prepared for the next step, whether that’s beginning a career or pursuing a graduate degree. Podgorski recently received one of the most prestigious awards given by the University of New Orleans (UNO) in Louisiana. Podgorski, a researcher at the university, was awarded the ed by the Office of Research, these awards are presented to innovative faculty members who have distinguished themselves in their fields and at UNO. Podgorski and his group of researchers work in the fields of analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, organic geochemistry and biogeochemistry. They also analyze mobilization, processing and fate of pollutants. In 2018, he was awarded a three-year $129,000 grant by the Louisiana Board of Regents for a laboratory study that attempted to improve science’s capability to understand relationships between the chemical composition of organic carbon and its reactivity. He also serves on the Louisiana National Estuary Research Reserve Site Development Committee and is a member of the Editorial Board for Marine Biogeochemistry. Alumnus David Podgorski returned to GWU in 2013 to speak with students and faculty about his position and research at FSU’s High Magnetic Field Laboratory. While Podgorski’s research has contributed to the field of environmental science, he almost didn’t pursue a career as a researcher. At ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb, according to Podgorski, he was an average, borderline B-C student. “I wouldn’t even be in science if it were not for the education, guidance, and encouragement that I received, in particular, from Drs. (Ben) Brooks, (Stefka) Eddins, and (Venita) Totten,â€� Podgorski shared recently. Originally from Virginia Beach, Va., Podgorski hadn’t thought about going to graduate school, but his GWU professors encouraged him to apply. He was in the spring semester of his senior year, much later than most students start applying. “The professors believed in me and challenged me to believe in myself,â€� Podgorski offered. “They played the role of cheerleader and coach. At larger institutions your professors might not even know you. At ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb, the lasting relationships between professors and students are what make the institution unique and worthwhile.â€�â€� After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb University, he completed his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry in 2011 at Florida State University (FSU) under William T. Cooper. Podgorski said the practical lessons ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb professors taught him about graduate study—how to handle the workload, how to choose an advisor, how to conduct long-term research projects—were the secret not only to his getting accepted, but to his finishing the Ph.D. in just four years. He worked as a postdoctoral research assistant under Alan G. Marshall in the Ion Cyclotron Resonance Program at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory followed by several years as research faculty with a joint appointment with the FSU Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, conducting experiments on Deepwater Horizon, the largest marine oil spill in history. While in Florida, he had the opportunity to serve as a mentor for several GWU students who were interns for the program. Podgorski joined the UNO Department of Chemistry as an assistant professor in 2017. Just as ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb’s professors invested in him, Podgorski is a mentor to his students. “I want students to know that, if they’re willing to work hard, they can accomplish something tremendous,â€� he asserted. Learn more about the Department of Natural Sciences at GWU.
News Article ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb to Host 47th Annual Choral Clinic on Oct. 19 for Middle and High School Singers Students from Across the Carolinas will Rehearse with Distinguished Conductors Before a Public Concert in Dover Theatre BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb University will welcome student singers from across North and South Carolina for its 47th annual Choral Clinic on Oct. 19. The daylong event will culminate in a free public concert at 5:30 p.m. in Dover […] Office of University Communications | October 1, 2026
News Article ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb University Chorales Selected to Perform at Biltmore During Christmas Season Students Gain Memorable Musical Experience While Sharing Their Talents on Nov. 13; Community Members Encouraged to Purchase Biltmore Tickets Early to Attend BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—For many visitors, Christmas at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C., is a treasured holiday tradition filled with sparkling lights, towering trees and seasonal music. This November, a group of ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb University students […] Office of University Communications | September 30, 2026
News Article ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb to Mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Events Focused on Remembrance, Support and Education Office of Campus Unity and Connection Encourages Compassion, Hope and Engagement BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—From messages of encouragement to educational programming, ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb University’s Office of Campus Unity and Connection will offer several opportunities for the campus community to engage in Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Activities will invite participants to honor survivors, remember loved ones and learn […] Office of University Communications | September 30, 2026