Swanson School represented in four categories at 2012 Carnegie Science Awards

BREAKING NEWS FROM THE CARNEGIE SCIENCE CENTER IN PITTSBURGH

PITTSBURGH (February 2, 2012) ... Today  Carnegie Science Center  announced the winners of its  2012 Carnegie Science Awards , sponsored by Eaton Corporation. Faculty members and a Ph.D. candidate from the Swanson School of Engineering won in four categories.

The Swanson School award recipients include:
Advanced Materials
Eric J. Beckman, Ph.D.
George M. Bevier Professor of Engineering,  Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering ; Co-Director,  Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation

Life Sciences
Joel S. Schuman, MD, FACS
Eye and Ear Foundation Professor and Chairman, Department of Ophthalmology; Director, UPMC Eye Center; Professor of Bioengineering; Glaucoma Service; University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

University/Post-Secondary Educator
Melissa Bilec, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor,  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering ; Assistant Director, Education and Outreach,  Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation
Amy E. Landis, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

University/Post-Secondary Students
Douglas Nelson Jr., Ph.D. Candidate
Department of Bioengineering

Carnegie Science Center established the Carnegie Science Awards program in 1997 to recognize and promote outstanding science and technology achievements in western Pennsylvania. Celebrating its 16th year, the Carnegie Science Awards have honored the accomplishments of more than 300 individuals and organizations that have improved lives through their commitment and contributions in science and technology. 

"Our nine-year relationship as premier sponsor of the Carnegie Science Awards has provided us the opportunity to really see firsthand the global impact of the science and technology industry in western Pennsylvania," said Richard D. Holder, president, electrical components for Eaton Corporation's Electrical Sector. "We are proud to be part of this prestigious recognition program." 

"The Carnegie Science Awards program helps fund Science Center exhibits and educational programs that provide an interactive science experience," said Ron Baillie, Henry Buhl, Jr., Co-Director of Carnegie Science Center. "With our new Chevron Center for STEM Education and Career Development at the Science Center, we are hoping to inspire the next generation of Carnegie Science Award winners." 

"These award winners exemplify how STEM education can lead to world-class innovation," said Ann Metzger, Henry Buhl, Jr., Co-Director of Carnegie Science Center. "We are proud to recognize so many outstanding companies, individuals, students, and educators." 

Student awardees will be selected at the Pittsburgh Science and Engineering Fair (PRSEF) March 30-31.

Awardees will be honored during a formal celebration at Carnegie Music Hall on May 11, 2012. Keynote speaker for the ceremony is Emmy and Peabody-Award winning journalist, Robert Bazell, NBC News Chief Science and Health Correspondent. 

About Carnegie Science Center
Carnegie Science Center is dedicated to inspiring learning and curiosity by connecting science and technology with everyday life. By making science both relevant and fun, the Science Center's goal is to increase science literacy in the region to motivate young people to seek careers in science and technology. One of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, the Science Center is Pittsburgh's premier science exploration destination, reaching more than 700,000 people annually through its hands-on exhibits, camps, classes, and off-site education programs. For more information, visit  www.carnegiesciencecenter.org .

About Eaton Corporation 
Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with more than 100 years of experience providing energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power. With 2011 sales of $16.0 billion, Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 73,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit  www.eaton.com . 

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