The NSF Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) seeks to support junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research, excellent education and the integration of education and research within the context of the mission of their organizations.

Claridge is developing bioinspired surface chemistry that tailors electronic properties and solubility of technologically important layered materials such as graphene, with applications ranging from improving efficiency of organic photovoltaic devices to designing precision biosensors. The educational component of her program uses campus dining facilities as context-rich learning environments for first-year general chemistry students.

Claridge received the award in 2016 and was honored at the Faculty Awards Convocation on April 25.