Science Center announces Carnegie Science awards winners awardees lauded for achievements in Science and Technology
Each year, Carnegie Science Center celebrates some of the Pittsburgh region’s most inspiring science and technology innovators with the Carnegie Science Awards, presented by Eaton. Today, the Science Center announced the winners and honorable mentions in 16 categories, who will be celebrated at the 24th Annual Carnegie Science Awards Celebration on Fri., May 8, 2020.
Carnegie Science Award winners are selected by a committee of peers — both past awardees and industry leaders — who rigorously reviewed a competitive pool of nominees to select the most deserving scientists, technologists, entrepreneurs, communicators, educators, and students whose contributions have led to significant economic or societal benefit in western Pennsylvania.
“The Carnegie Science Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate the astonishingly creative and forward-thinking minds in Pittsburgh’s science, technology, and education communities,” said Jason Brown, Henry Buhl, Jr., Director of Carnegie Science Center. “Through their incredible contributions to their fields, they’re directly impacting the health, growth, and economic vitality of our region as a whole.”
This year’s Carnegie Science Award honorees are:
- Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Award – Dr. Carmel Majidi, Carnegie Mellon University
- Corporate Innovation Award – Stephen Muck and Jeremy Searock, Advanced Construction Robotics
- Start-Up Entrepreneur – Bossa Nova Robotics
- Entrepreneur Award – TandemLife
- Environmental Award – Dr. Ryan Sullivan, Carnegie Mellon University
- Information Technology Award – Behaivior
- Innovation in Energy Award – Laser and Optical Processes Team, National Energy Technology Laboratory
- Life Sciences Award – Dr. Fabrisia Ambrosio, University of Pittsburgh
- Science Communicator Award – Oliver Morrison, PublicSource, and Kristina Marusic, Environmental Health News
- Elementary Educator Award – Karen Klicker, Northgate School District
- Middle Level Educator Award – Zee Ann Poerio, St. Louise de Marillac School
- High School Educator Award – Tamar McPherson, Plum Borough School District
- Postsecondary Educator Award – Dr. Bryan Brown, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh
- Leadership in STEM Education Award – Dr. Andre Samuel, The Citizen Science Lab
- Leadership in Career and Technical Education Award – Angela Mike, Pittsburgh Public Schools
- University Student Award – Alexis Nolfi, University of Pittsburgh
In addition, Honorable Mentions were awarded in 10 categories. They are:
- Corporate Innovation – BNY Mellon UpPrize
- Entrepreneur – Showclix
- Environmental – Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Frick Environmental Center
- Innovation in Energy – PPG Iocron Battery Binder Solution Team
- Life Sciences – Dr. Jelena Janjic, Duquesne University
- Start-up Entrepreneur – Avi Geller, Maven Machines
- Elementary Educator – Colleen Hinrichsen, Mars Area Centennial School
- Middle Level Educator – Brad Adams, Homer-Center High School
- Postsecondary Educator – Dr. David Sanchez, University of Pittsburgh
- University Student – Kareem Rabbat, University of Pittsburgh
Through the support of committed sponsors, the Carnegie Science Awards program has honored the accomplishments of more than 600 individuals and organizations. Eaton has been the presenting sponsor of the Carnegie Science Awards for 16 years.
“Eaton is proud to join the Science Center in recognizing some of the most deserving science, technology, engineering, and math educators, students, and innovators in western Pennsylvania,” said Ruppert Russoniello, Senior Vice President, Digitalization, for Eaton’s Electrical Sector and Event Chair of the Carnegie Science Awards. “By producing groundbreaking work in their fields, they are helping to build a smarter, healthier, and more prosperous future for us all.”
Other sponsors and community partners who will present trophies during the Carnegie Science Awards Celebration on May 10 include: ALCOSAN, Allegheny Conference on Community Development, Braskem, Duquesne Light Company, FedEx, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kennametal Inc., NOVA Chemicals, Orionvega, Pittsburgh Business Times, Pittsburgh Technology Council, PPG, and WTAE Channel 4.
As the Science Center’s signature celebration of innovation and annual fundraiser, the Carnegie Science Awards Celebration on May 8 will offer an exciting networking opportunity complete with a strolling dinner, silent auction, and awards show that will share the inspiring stories behind the awardees’ accomplishments. The evening raises funds to support the Science Center’s education programs that identify, nurture, and inspire the next generation of leaders in science and technology. For more information about the awards celebration, go to www.CarnegieScienceCenter.org/ScienceAwards.
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 and 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.
Accessibility: Features for All
Carnegie Science Center welcomes all visitors. We work to assist visitors with disabilities in obtaining reasonable and appropriate accommodations, and in supporting equal access to services, programs, and activities. We welcome visitors in wheelchairs on the deck of our USS Requin (SS 481) submarine. Below-deck visits require full mobility. Hearing assistance devices are available for The Rangos Giant Cinema. Please ask when you buy your ticket.
Please note that requests for accommodations should be made at least two weeks prior to your visit. For specific questions about wheelchairs, strollers, or other programmatic or equipment needs, see the ticket counter located on the first floor of the main building or contact the Operations Department at 412.237.1641 or info@carnegiesciencecenter.org.
About Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh
Established in 1895 by Andrew Carnegie, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh is a collection of four distinctive museums: Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, and The Andy Warhol Museum. In 2017, the museums reached more than 1.4 million people through exhibitions, educational programs, outreach activities, and special events.
