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Four professors from Utah State University and the University of Utah are among recipients of the Governor's Science Medals for 2011. In an announcement released Monday by Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, U. chemist Edward "Ted" Eyring and mathematician Hugo Rossi were singled out for their achievements over long careers in scientific research and science education.
"Over the last 24 years, the state of Utah has recognized innovators, entrepreneurs, educators and science industry pioneers with the annual Governor's Science Medals. With this prestigious award, we both celebrate those outstanding achievements and acknowledge their hard work and perseverance," Herbert said in a news release. "Each day we face challenges and solve problems. These honorees have found solutions and opened our eyes to new horizons. In countless ways, these award recipients exemplify the best in all of us."
Eyring, the oldest son of the legendary U. chemist Henry Eyring, is a revered teacher on the U. campus and is a researcher in theoretical and physical chemistry. He is currently developing new catalytic materials that improve the speed and efficiency of chemical reactions.
Herbert chose this year's recipients with help from state science adviser Tami Goetz and the State Advisory Council on Science and Technology. The prizes were to be awarded in a ceremony Tuesday night in Discovery Gateway Children's Museum.
The recipients
Academia • Byard D. Wood, USU; Bruce Bugbee, USU professor of plants, soils and climate; Edward M. Eyring of the U.
Industry • Tim Miller of Echelon Biosciences and Kelly B. Powers of CR Bard Access Systems.
Government • Amanda Smith, the governor's energy adviser and director of the Department of Environmental Quality.
Education • Hugo Rossi, professor emeritus of math and senior associate director of the Center for Science and Mathematics Education.
Special Recognition Award • Richard R. Nelson, Utah Technology Council, and the Utah Advanced Composites Team, including Gary Harter of GOED, Jeff Edwards of EDCUtah, and Steve Rodgers of EmergenTek.