University Times

Pitt was 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 was held May 3 at the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh.

Awardees with Pitt affiliations include:

• Savio L-Y. Woo, director of the Musculoskeletal Research Center of the Center for Bioengineering in the School of Engineering, was honored with the Life Sciences Award. Woo, who also is the vice chair for research within the orthopaedic surgery and bioengineering departments; a professor of bioengineering, mechanical engineering and rehabilitation science and technology, and the A.B. Ferguson Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, was recognized for his work in orthopaedic biomechanics.

Woo’s work 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 the School of Education, received 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, received the Chairman’s Award for its role in saving lives, reducing health care costs and facilitating economic development in the region.

• John J. Craig and F. Gary Kovac of Supply Systems, Inc. (SSI) received the Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Award. SSI is a partner with the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Center of Excellence in the 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 to daily lives. They also serve to underscore the inter-relationship 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 a particular project.