The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently awarded Oksana Lockridge, Ph.D., with the Palmes Academiques, the French Government’s highest honor for academic achievement.
A professor at the Eppley Institute at UNMC, Dr. Lockridge received the award earlier this summer (June 9) during a ceremony in Chicago.
The award acknowledges the contribution of Dr. Lockridge to the development of a strong and durable relationship between the United States and France in the domain of pharmacology.
“I have been lucky to have the friendship of Dr. Patrick Masson of France for many years. Together we have accomplished research goals that make us both proud,” Dr. Lockridge said. “When we started our collaboration about 20 years ago, the protein we had been studying was considered unimportant. Almost no one else was working on butyrylcholinesterase. Together we provided critical biochemical information about this protein that has elevated it to a high level.”
Butyrylcholinesterase, which is now undergoing phase I clinical trials, is being developed by the U.S. Department of Defense for protection against chemical nerve agents and pesticides.
“The award from the French Government recognizes the value of working together to achieve a common goal,” Dr. Lockridge said.
Dr. Lockridge earned her Ph.D. degree from Northwestern University.
The Ordre des Palmes Academiques was first issued in 1808 by Napoleon Bonaparte and is given worldwide to people who have shown devotion and excelled in the areas of education, research, the arts and sciences and cultural and academic heritage.