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CARNEGIE SCIENCE AWARDS: AN INNOVATION CELEBRATION FOR SCIENCE AND TECH

It’s no question that Pittsburgh is a city of innovators. From groundbreaking medical research to transformative technological advances, the work being produced here makes a significant impact on our region and beyond. 

Each year, Carnegie Science Center celebrates some of the most outstanding science and technology leaders in western Pennsylvania with the Carnegie Science Awards, presented by Eaton. As the Science Center’s signature celebration of innovation and annual fundraiser, the event offers 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. 

The program honors awardees in 16 categories, including Start-Up Entrepreneur, Information Technology, Innovation in Energy, Science Communicator, and several educator categories. 

“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.”

Brown said that the Carnegie Science Awards winners are prime examples of what can be achieved with a quality education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

“A strong focus on STEM education will set students up for success no matter the career they pursue,” Brown said. “STEM encourages students to let their curiosity and creativity drive them to think critically, work as a team, communicate their ideas effectively, and see failure as a constructive and crucial part of finding innovative solutions.”

Thanks to the generous support of committed sponsors, the Carnegie Science Awards has honored the accomplishments of more than 600 individuals and organizations since the program’s inception. 

Awardees will be honored along with three student winners from the Covestro Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair during the 24th Annual Carnegie Science Awards Celebration on Friday, May 8, 2020, at Carnegie Science Center. 

The 2020 Carnegie Science Awards honorees are:

  • Advanced Manufacturing and Materials: Dr. Carmel Majidi,Carnegie Mellon University
  • Corporate Innovation: Stephen Muck and Jeremy Searock, Advanced Construction
  • Robotics Start-Up Entrepreneur: Sarjoun Skaff and Martin Hitch,Bossa Nova Robotics
  • Entrepreneur: TandemLife Environmental Dr. Ryan Sullivan, Carnegie Mellon University
  • Information Technology: Behaivior
  • Innovation in Energy: Laser and Optical Processes Team, NETL
  • Life Sciences: Dr. Fabrisia Ambrosio, University of Pittsburgh
  • Science Communicator: Oliver Morrison, PublicSource and Kristina Marusic, Environmental Health News
  • Leadership in STEM Education: Dr. Andre Samuel,The Citizen Science Lab
  • Leadership in Career and Technical Education: Angela Mike, Pittsburgh Public Schools
  • Elementary Educator: Karen Klicker, Northgate School District
  • Middle Level Educator: Zee Ann Poerio, St. Louise de Marillac School
  • High School Educator: Tamar McPherson, Plum Borough School District
  • Postsecondary Educator: Dr. Bryan Brown, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine
  • University Student Alexis Nolfi, University of Pittsburgh