Carnegie Science Awards honors engineering faculty

The Carnegie Science Center will recognize three Carnegie Mellon Engineering faculty members at the 21^st Annual Carnegie Science Awards celebration on May 12, 2017, at Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland.

The Carnegie Science Awards, presented annually by the Carnegie Science Center, recognize and promote outstanding science and technology achievements in western Pennsylvania. Since 1997, they have honored the accomplishments of more than 500 individuals and organizations whose contributions in the fields of science, technology, and education have had an impact on the region’s industrial, academic, and environmental vitality.

Kathryn Whitehead, Emerging Female Scientist Award
Kathryn Whitehead, assistant professor of chemical engineering, was selected for her cutting-edge work at the interface of chemical engineering, molecular biology, and medicine. The Whitehead Lab is working to create drug delivery systems for next-generation gene therapy. The lab’s nanomedicine research will revolutionize how we treat diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and hereditary disorders. Whitehead received the 2016 Young Faculty Award from the Defense Advance Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and was named by Popular Science as a 2015 “Brilliant 10” young researcher.

Neil Donahue, Environmental Award
Neil Donahue, professor of chemical engineering and chemistry, will receive the Environmental Award for his “outstanding achievements in the fields of environmental protection and restoration that benefit the economy, health, and quality of life in the Pittsburgh region.” Donahue serves as the Director of Carnegie Mellon’s Steinbrenner Institute for Environmental Education and Research, and is a faculty member in The Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies (CAPS). A leading expert in atmospheric chemistry, Donahue is working to address air quality issues on a local and national scale.

Conrad Zapanta, University/Post-Secondary Educator Honorable Mention
Conrad Zapanta, professor and associate department head of biomedical engineering, will receive the Honorable Mention in the University/Post-Secondary Educator category for his significant contributions in biomedical engineering education for Carnegie Mellon students. He teaches courses in biomedical design and professional issues and oversees undergraduate curriculum and advising. Zapanta co-leads The Carnegie Heart Program initiative, a collaborative effort between Carnegie Mellon and the Allegheny Health Network to give summer fellowship support to undergraduates pursuing degrees in biomedical engineering.

Several additional Carnegie Mellon community members will be honored by the Carnegie Science Awards this year, including:

• Neil Carleton, undergraduate student in mechanical engineering, University/Post-Secondary Student (Honorable Mention)
• Leonard Kisslinger, professor of physics, Leadership in STEM Education Award
• Alexandra To, Ph.D. student in computer science, University/Post-Secondary Student (Honorable Mention) 
• Jessica Trybus, alumna and special faculty in the Entertainment Technology Center (ETC), Corporate Innovation Award
• Genoa Warner, Ph.D. student in chemistry, University/Post-Secondary Student Award