Pitt Faculty, Institute, and Industry Partners Win Carnegie Science Center Awards for Excellence

PITTSBURGH-The University of Pittsburgh is well represented among the 2006 Carnegie Science Center Awards for Excellence, which recognize the most outstanding recent achievements in science and technology in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The awards ceremony will be held May 3 at the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. Awardees with Pitt affiliations include:

o Savio L-Y. Woo, W.K. Whiteford Professor and director of the Musculoskeletal Research Center at the Center for Bioengineering in the University of Pittsburgh's School of Engineering, will be honored with the Life Sciences Award. Woo, who also is a professor of mechanical engineering and rehabilitation science and technology, is being recognized for his work in orthopaedic biomechanics, which has revolutionized the field and served as the foundation upon which many patient rehabilitation protocols for ligament and tendon injuries are based;

Jennifer Cartier, assistant professor of science and elementary education in Pitt's School of Education, will receive the University/Post-Secondary Educator Award. Cartier helped create Pittsburgh Partnership of ENERGizing Science in Urban Schools, an innovative collaboration between Pitt professors and students and Pittsburgh Public School District administrators, science teachers, and students;

Pitt's McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, which develops therapies that repair or replace damaged organs and tissues, will receive the Chairman's Award for its role in saving lives, reducing healthcare costs, and facilitating economic development in the region; and

John J. Craig and F. Gary Kovac of Supply Systems, Inc., (SSI) will receive the Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Award. SSI is a partner with the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Center of Excellence in Pitt's School of Engineering. SSI received the award for combining cutting-edge materials and a greatly simplified manufacturing process to revolutionize the RFID manufacturing process.

The Carnegie Science Center Awards for Excellence raise public awareness about science and its application in our lives. They also serve to underscore the interrelationship of schools and universities, research laboratories, business development, and job creation in this region. Awardees will receive a $1,000 cash prize, to be applied to an identified project. For more information, visit www.carnegiesciencecenterawards.org.

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