An MSU chemistry professor has joined a group of 116 young scientists and economists who were honored as Sloan Research Fellows.

Assistant Professor Aaron Odom will use the $40,000 grant for the two-year period to continue research in forming carbon nitrogen bonds.

Odom, who has been at MSU for five years, leads a research group of undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral students.

"Nationwide, certainly there's a lot of people and I'm very honored to be on the list," Odom said.

Odom said he's also excited for the options the extra money can provide.

Department of Chemistry chairman John McCracken said the highly competitive research fellowship speaks well for the university.

"These awards are given to the best young faculty and chemistry throughout the country," he said.

The Sloan Research Fellowship Program awarded $4.64 million in its 49th year.

More than 500 nominations were reviewed for the 2004 awards.

In the course of the program, more than $103 million has supported more than 3,900 young researchers.