Dr. Tony Shih, lead scientist and principal investigator at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, was selected as one of the Army Acquisition Corps' 25 for 25, an honor bestowed for Shih's exemplary service to the Warfighter and the acquisition workforce.

The AAC's 25 for 25 is an online initiative to highlight 25 individuals out of a force of more than 12,000 AAC members Army-wide. The celebration is in recognition of the Corps' 25th anniversary on Oct. 13 and includes a dedicated webpage highlighting the anniversary and honorees on the Army Acquisition Support Center's website: http://asc.army.mil/web/.

Shih has worked in the field of organophosphorus nerve agent research for more than 36 years. At the USAMRICD, Shih's work includes conducting pharmacological and neurochemical investigations of the basic and functional mechanisms of nerve agents and their treatments. This research is aimed at developing efficient medical countermeasures for use in theater.

Shih's past achievements include research to gather critical drug data, submitted to the Food and Drug Administration in support of the fielding of a new oxime reactivator for inhibited acetylcholinesterase and an anticonvulsant drug (midazolam) for Warfighters to protect against nerve agent exposure.

"My nomination feels really fantastic," said Shih. "Everyone that has been working with me over the years allowed me to accomplish this."

Shih holds a Ph.D. in pharmacology from the University of Pittsburg. He counts amongst his numerous awards the Commander's Award for Civilian Service, the twice-granted Outstanding Supervisor Award and the Department of the Army Research and Development Achievement Award for both Technical Excellence and Technical Achievement.

The Army acquisition workforce develops, acquires, fields and sustains the men and women serving in the U.S. Army. The AAC is comprised of civilian and military specialists who develop and procure the breadth of capabilities the Army employs for its missions.