Outstanding Affiliate Faculty Award

Nathan (Nate) Alan Chipman’s deep bonds with the University of Idaho were forged as a young man through his parents’ association with the University. Laurence and Edna Chipman, strong supporters of the University, encouraged Nate to attend Idaho. Later in life, Nate followed the family tradition and advocated that his children attend the University, advice that they all accepted.

Nate earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering in 1971 and then went on to receive master’s degrees in Education and Chemical Engineering, both awarded in 1973. While in Moscow, Nate was an active member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and served as president. After graduation, Nate moved to Idaho Falls and began work as a research engineer with Allied Chemical Corporation at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) as it is now known. In the years that followed, he worked for other contractors at the INL in positions that allowed him to increase his knowledge and expertise in mathematics, chemical, nuclear and mechanical engineering and science. He became a well known expert in the area of transport phenomena. Nate didn’t forget the University of Idaho nor abandon his love of learning. While working at the INL, he continued with coursework and research, eventually earning a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Idaho in 1993.

Nate’s professional experience and research led to publications in his .eld as well as other recognition of his expertise. In 2003 he was inducted as a Fellow in the American Institute of Chemical Engineering (AIChE) and was honored in 2004 with the prestigious Robert E. Wilson Award from the Nuclear Engineering Division of AIChE. His talents and training as a teacher were an excellent match for the academic rigor at the University of Idaho’s Idaho Falls Center. Nate began teaching at the University in the fall semester of 1979, was granted af.liate faculty status in 1986 and earned graduate faculty level in 1993.

In his role as graduate faculty, Nate served on numerous doctoral student committees to assist students reach their degree and professional goals. His lively and challenging teaching style engaged students in the learning process. He was instrumental in reviewing and updating the curriculum in nuclear engineering as well as recruiting new students to programs in Idaho Falls and Moscow. Nate was a frequent participant at University Place meetings, University events, and could often be found discussing hot topics with faculty, staff and students. At the time of his death in October 2005, Nate was involved in advising nuclear engineering students and teaching a course in support of that program.

The University of Idaho - Idaho Falls is indebted to Nate for his enthusiasm, hard work and dedication to the success of University Place and the University of Idaho statewide. His presence and friendship are greatly missed.