Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization’s stated objective is to “to make Illinois and the surrounding Midwest one of the world’s top life sciences center.” The organization makes annual iBIO Institute iCON Awards to “celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding science teachers and researchers whose work provides the basis for biotechnology developments worldwide.”
The fourth annual awards recipients of 2010 illustrate the kinds of contributions individuals can make to their community in the area of scientific development.
The Innovator Award (University Level) winner this year is Dr Brenda Russell, Ph.D., Professor of Physiology, Biophysics, Bioengineering and Medicine, and Executive Associate Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr Russell has:
* spent several years guiding some of the brightest and most highly motivated research students in the state
* chaired several cross-disciplinary task forces at UIC including regenerative medicine with stem cells, environmental science, tobacco-related research (prevention psychology, clinical treatment and more), bioinformatics and structural biology
* lectured in the iBIO Institute’s TalentSparks! teacher development program and iBIO IndEx conferences
* lent her talent to Chicago’s Science in the City community outreach efforts
The Knowledge Builder Award (Grades 6-12) winner this year is Elizabeth Babcock, Ph.D., Vice President, Education and Library Collections at The Field Museum in Chicago. Dr Babcock:
* is responsible for the development and implementation of education programs, outreach initiatives and digital programming to over 800,000 adults, families, teachers and students each year
* helps improve the public’s understanding of natural history and to serve diverse audiences by leveraging the Museum’s exhibitions, collections and scientific research
* focuses on increasing the public’s access to and utilization of the Museum’s rare book collection, photo and institutional archives, and general collection of over 300,000 items
