Governor Terry McAuliffe and the Science Museum of Virginia’s Chief Wonder Officer Richard C. Conti announced Monday the recipients of Virginia’s 2017 Outstanding STEM Awards.
The scientific contributions of academics, organizations and students are honored in four distinct and prestigious award categories: Virginia’s Outstanding Scientist, Science Innovation, STEM Catalyst and STEM Phenom. Recognizing excellence in science for over 30 years, these annual awards celebrate statewide efforts to strengthen the Commonwealth’s position as a leader in STEM fields.
Dr. Marc Edwards, the Charles P. Lunsford Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Virginia Tech, was recognized as one of Virginia’s Outstanding Scientists. The award is given to Virginia scientists who have made globally significant contributions to their field.
Edwards is considered one of the world’s leading experts on lead in water, childhood lead poisoning from water, corrosion and Legionella in building plumbing. His efforts, most recently in Flint, Michigan, and Washington, D.C., helped uncover public health harm and misconduct by agencies responsible for protecting public health.
Edwards’ research has provided an invaluable framework for diagnosing real-world water problems and identifying workable solutions through appropriately tailoring the water chemistry, plumbing materials and flow conditions.
His leadership and perseverance has drawn nationwide attention and national investments in deteriorating water infrastructure.
“It is an honor to continue the tradition of celebrating professionals, businesses and citizens who have made significant contributions to cutting-edge STEM disciplines,” McAuliffe said. “These winners represent Virginia’s dedication to the academic excellence and entrepreneurial spirit we need to remain competitive nationally globally and build the new Virginia economy.”
“The individuals we honor for their exciting accomplishments in science, technology, engineering and math disciplines are the future of the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Education Dietra Trent. “We congratulate their achievements and successes, and encourage even more citizens to follow in their footsteps to pursue careers in high-demand fields.”
“The accomplishments of this year’s honorees improve our quality of life – from sustainability efforts to understanding our origins to developing breakthrough technologies that save lives,” said Richard C. Conti. “Their cumulative work is awe-inspiring and the Museum is proud to celebrate the enormous efforts these individuals put forward to advancing our global well-being.”
The honorees will receive their awards at the Science Museum of Virginia on the evening of Thursday, Feb. 23.
— Submitted by Sam Coleman
