Gail Vance Civille, founder and president of Sensory Spectrum, Inc., in New Providence, N.J., and a resident of Oldwick, N.J., has been honored with the ASTM International Award of Merit and accompanying title of fellow, the highest recognition for individual contributions to standards activities. ASTM Committee E18 on Sensory Evaluation cited Civille for her contributions to and leadership of the committee, including long-range planning, symposium development, and expanding E18's scope.

An ASTM International member since 1977, Civille serves on Committee D13 on Textiles as well as E18, and she is currently chair of E18.92, the Standing Committee on Strategic Planning. Civille has received the David R. Peryam Award, which honors outstanding professionals in the applied sensory science field.

In her position at Sensory Spectrum, Civille has pioneered advanced sensory evaluation approaches to industry, academia, and government. An expert in the evaluation of sensory properties, Civille has worked on thousands of food and non-food consumer products using both consumer and descriptive techniques and is recognized as an expert in Malcolm Gladwell's blink.

Civille has developed diverse original workshops and courses in basic and advanced sensory evaluation methods and theory as well as consumer testing, panel leadership, quality control, and the management of sensory programs. She is the coauthor of three books and numerous technical papers related to sensory evaluation.

In addition to ASTM International, Civille is a member of the Institute of Food Technologists and the Society of Cosmetic Chemists. She is a graduate of the College of Mt. St. Vincent in New York City with a B.S. in chemistry.

Release #7600