Joyce Swartney, pioneer in science education

Joyce Swartney, 71, of Sarasota, Fla., and formerly of Detroit, Mich., and Williamsville, a pioneer in science education, died Sunday, June 3, 2007.

After earning degrees in chemistry and science education from the University of Detroit and University of Pennsylvania, Mrs. Swartney was the first female recipient of the Ph.D. in science education from the University of Wisconsin. She studied one year in Germany and taught chemistry and math at the Air Force Dependents School in Itazuke, Japan.

Mrs. Swartney was involved with Shell Fellow, an elite program honoring excellence in science teaching.

She joined Buffalo State College in 1968 and later became the associate dean of natural and social sciences. She retired in 1994.

Highly sought after for her expertise in education and science, she was an educational consultant to the Peace Corps in Afghanistan, served on the U.S. Department of Education panels for science award programs, received several National Science Foundation grants, and helped select the "Blue Ribbon Schools" in America.

Mrs. Swartney was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the Western Section of the Science Teachers Association of New York State in 2004.

She loved learning languages and traveling and enjoyed bridge, photography, Elderhostel workshops, mystery books, bell ringing and collecting paperweights.

A science education scholarship fund is being arranged in her honor. Memorial donations can be sent to Buffalo State College Foundation "In Memory of Dr. Joyce Swartney," 1300 Elmwood Ave., Cleveland Hall 319, Buffalo, N.Y. 14222.

A memorial Mass will be held in September at the Newman Center at Buffalo State College.