Gov. Gary R. Herbert, along with the Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR) initiative and the Governor’s Office for Economic Development (GOED), today announced the winners of the 2016 Governor’s Medals for Science and Technology. The medals will be presented to 11 individuals and one company at a 30th anniversary awards dinner on Jan. 18.
“The medal recipients are true leaders in innovation, serving as educators, mentors and influencers statewide,” Gov. Herbert said. “Innovation drives Utah’s thriving economy and unmatched quality of life. I commend the winners for excellence in their fields and for their important work, which will benefit Utah residents for generations.”
Since 1987, the Governor’s Medals for Science and Technology have been awarded to residents and companies who have provided distinguished service or made significant contributions to Utah’s advanced scientific and technological knowledge, education and industry. Nominations are reviewed by an advisory panel before formally presenting winners to the governor.
This year’s 12 medals are awarded in the categories of academic/research, higher education, K-12 education, industry, government and one special recognition. The 2016 recipients are:
ACADEMIC/RESEARCH:
Cynthia Burrows, Ph.D.—Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemistry, University of Utah
Cynthia Furse, Ph.D.—Associate Vice President for Research, University of Utah
Timothy McLain, Ph.D.—Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University
Terry Messmer, Ph.D.—Professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist, Utah State University | Director, Utah Community-Based Conservation Program
John Morrey, Ph.D.—Research Professor, Director of the Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University
Kyle Rollins, Ph.D.—Professor of Civil Engineering, Brigham Young University
HIGHER EDUCATION:
Adam Beehler—Lecture Demonstration Specialist for the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Utah
K-12 EDUCATION:
Debra Spielmaker, Ph.D.—Professor, Utah State University | Project Director, USDA-National Agriculture in the Classroom Program and Team Leader, National Center for Agricultural Literacy
INDUSTRY (INDIVIDUAL):
Lawrence Thatcher—CEO, Thatcher Group
INDUSTRY (COMPANY):
ENVE Composites—Ogden, Utah
GOVERNMENT INDIVIDUAL:
Robert Baskin, Ph.D.—Supervisory Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Utah Water Science Center
SPECIAL RECOGNITION:
Dr. Vivian Lee—Senior Vice President for Health Sciences and Dean of the School of Medicine, University of Utah | CEO, University of Utah Health Care