Do you know a mentor in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)? Nominations are now open for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. The awards recognize individuals and organizations that have enhanced participation of people who might not otherwise have access to opportunities in STEM disciplines and professions.
This fall, two professors at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and University of Southern California were among the recipients of “the nation’s highest honors for mentors who work with underrepresented groups to develop fully the nation’s human resources in STEM.”
Other winners came from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of Arizona, University of Southern California, North Hennepin Community College, New Jersey Institute of Technology, North Carolina A&T State University, The Pennsylvania State University, and Texas Tech University.
Dr. Karen Lozano is a Julia Beecherl Endowed Professor in mechanical engineering and director of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Nanotechnology Center of Excellence. For her efforts, she has been recognized with the 2013 UT System Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award. More recently, she was named among the “Mexicanos Distinguidos” by the Government of Mexico’s Institute for Mexicans Abroad.
“UTRGV is committed to student success, and Dr. Lozano embodies that commitment with the tireless support and mentorship she provides, not only to university students but to students throughout the Rio Grande Valley,” Bailey said in a statement.
Dr. Gisele Ragusa, a professor at the University of Southern California (USC) in the Viterbi School of Engineering’s Division of Engineering Education, was also presented with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring.
Her areas of expertise include engineering education, innovation, and global preparedness, college access for first-generation college students and students from diverse backgrounds, STEM PK-12 education and teacher education, STEM literacy education, as well as assessment and measurement in STEM.
In 2010, she received the USC Viterbi School of Engineering Dean’s Special Service Award. She has also received the HENAAC’s Vanguard Award and the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Pacific Southwest Section (PSW) Outstanding Teaching Award.
The National Science Foundation administers the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Click here for more information.
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