2011 Carnegie Science Awardees Announced

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Today Carnegie Science Center announced the winners of its 2011 Carnegie Science Awards, sponsored by Eaton Corporation.

Carnegie Science Center established the Carnegie Science Awards program in 1997 to recognize and promote outstanding science and technology achievements in western Pennsylvania. Celebrating its 15th year, the Carnegie Science Awards have honored the accomplishments of more than 275 individuals and organizations that have improved lives through their commitment and contributions in science and technology.

“We are proud to be associated with a program that recognizes the revolutionary technology and advances in science-related industries throughout our region,” said Jerry Whitaker, president of the Americas for Eaton Corporation’s Electrical Sector. “These individuals and corporations have an impact that expands into the global marketplace.”

“The Carnegie Science Awards program helps fund Science Center exhibits and educational programs that reach thousands of young people to broaden their perspective about careers in the fields of science and technology,” said Ron Baillie, Henry Buhl, Jr. Co-Director of Carnegie Science Center. “Through our Science Connections mentoring program, many of the awards recipients engage our youth in the real-world application of the sciences. Our region and the nation, depend on a science-savvy workforce to secure our place in the future, and that’s why Carnegie Science Center is committed to STEM education.”

“Our honorees are extraordinary researchers, educators, and entrepreneurs who have achieved amazing success in their respective industries,” said Ann Metzger, Henry Buhl, Jr. Co-Director of Carnegie Science Center. “Their achievements are a testimony not only to their dedication and perseverance, but also to the commitment and drive of our region.”

Awardees will be honored during a formal celebration at Carnegie Music Hall on May 6, 2011. Keynote speaker for the ceremony is Anousheh Ansari, co-founder and chairman of Prodea Systems and the first female private space explorer and first space ambassador.

    2011 Carnegie Science Award recipients include:
    Chairman's Award
    ----------------
    Allegheny Technologies Incorporated

    Advanced Manufacturing Award
    ----------------------------
    Beyond Blast from Kennametal Inc.

    Advanced Materials Award
    ------------------------
    Alan Russell, PhD, Krzysztof Matyjaszewski, PhD, and team
    McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine

    Analysis & Reporting Award
    --------------------------
    Reid Frazier

    Catalyst Award
    --------------
    Marc Malandro, PhD
    University of Pittsburgh

    Corporate Innovation Award
    --------------------------
    Plextronics, Inc.

    Middle Level Educator Award
    ---------------------------
    Richard Gebrosky
    North Allegheny School District

    High School Educator Award
    --------------------------
    Elaine Custer
    Karns City Area School District

    School District Award
    ---------------------
    Avella Area School District

    University / Post-Secondary Educator Award
    ------------------------------------------
    Thad Zaleskiewicz, PhD
    University of Pittsburgh Greensburg

    *Catalyst for Education Award*
    ------------------------------
    ASSET, Inc.

    *Special Recognition in Science Education*
    ------------------------------------------
    John Pollock, PhD
    Duquesne University

    University/Post-Secondary Student Award
    ---------------------------------------
    Vineet Agrawal
    McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine

    Emerging Female Scientist Award
    -------------------------------
    Sara Majetich, PhD
    Carnegie Mellon University

    Start-Up Entrepreneur Award
    ---------------------------
    Jeff Mullen, MBA, JD
    Dynamics Inc.

    Entrepreneur Award
    ------------------
    Michael Finke
    M*Modal

    Environmental Award
    -------------------
    Karen Foltz
    Vox Energy Solutions

    Information Technology Award
    ----------------------------
    Raj Rajkumar, PhD
    Carnegie Mellon University

    Life Sciences Award
    -------------------
    Massimo Trucco, MD
    University of Pittsburgh/Children's Hospital of
     Pittsburgh of UPMC

    *New Award for 2011*

    2011 Carnegie Science Award Honorable Mentions include:

    Catalyst Award
    --------------
    Illah Nourbakhsh, PhD
    Carnegie Mellon University

    University / Post Secondary Educator Award
    ------------------------------------------
    Melissa Bilec, PhD and Amy Landis, PhD
    University of Pittsburgh

    University/Post-Secondary Student Award Honorable Mention
    ---------------------------------------------------------
    Southwest PA Chapter of the American Meteorological
     Society at Cal U

    Start-Up Entrepreneur Award
    ---------------------------
    Nick Kuhn, MBA
    ALung Technologies

    Emerging Female Scientist Award
    -------------------------------
    Mary Koes
    Thorley Industries

    Entrepreneur Award Honorable Mention
    ------------------------------------
    Henry Thorne
    Thorley Industries

    Environmental Award
    -------------------
    Gregory Lowry, PhD
    Carnegie Mellon University

About Carnegie Science Center

Carnegie Science Center is dedicated to inspiring learning and curiosity by connecting science and technology with everyday life. By making science both relevant and fun, the Science Center’s goal is to increase science literacy in the region to motivate young people to seek careers in science and technology. One of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, the Science Center is Pittsburgh’s premier science exploration destination, reaching more than 700,000 people annually through its hands-on exhibits, camps, classes, and off-site education programs. For more information, visit www.carnegiesciencecenter.org.

About Eaton Corporation

Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2010 sales of $13.7 billion. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2011, Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 70,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.

SOURCE Carnegie Science Center