Woman of the Week – Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson (Part 2)

Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson has enjoyed a distinguished career as a scientist, educator, and public policy advocate. The president of Rensselear Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York is the recipient of many honors, including the 1993 New Jersey Governor's Award in Science.

Hall of Fame and Golden Torch

In 1998, Shirley Jackson was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame for significant and profound contributions as a distinguished scientist and advocate for education, science, and public policy.

In March 2000, Dr. Jackson was awarded the Golden Torch Award for Lifetime Achievement in Academia from the National Society of Black Engineers. In June of the same year, she was inducted into the Women in Technology International Foundation Hall of Fame (WITI). Also in 2000, Shirley Ann Jackson received the "100 Women of Excellence" award from the Albany-Colonie (New York) Regional Chamber of Commerce & Women's Business Council.

From Physics to ESSENCE

In January 2001, Jackson received the "Richtmyer Memorial Lecture Award" from the American Association of Physics Teachers. A month later, she received the 2001 "Immortal Award" for the 15th Annual Black History Makers Award, sponsored by Associated Black Charities. Also in February 2001, Dr. Jackson became the first woman to win the Black Engineer of the Year Award by US Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine.

In 2002, Shirley Jackson was named one of Discover Magazine's Top 50 Women in Science. She was also recognized in a published book by ESSENCE called "50 of The Most Inspiring African-Americans". That same year, Dr. Jackson was named "50 R&D Stars to Watch" by Industry Week Magazine.

A Role Model and National Treasure

Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson was named one of seven fellows of the Association for Women in Science (AWIS) in 2004. In 2005, Time Magazine referred to the RPI president as "perhaps the ultimate role model for women in science". In 2006, she received the American Society of Mechanical Engineers' President's Award for her "outstanding contributions to the engineering profession and for her dedication to the promotion of diversity and inclusion in engineering education" in 2006.

When the National Science Board (NSB) selected Dr. Jackson as a recipient of the prestigious Vannevar Bush Award for "a lifetime of achievements in scientific research, education, and senior statesman-like contributions to public policy" in 2007, she was described as a "national treasure". Shirley Jackson was also honored by AARP The Magazine as one of its ten 2007 Impact Award winners given to "extraordinary" people who have made the world a better place through their work.

Leadership and Creativity

In 2008, Jackson received the American Society of Mechanical Engineers' (ASME) Ralph Coats Roe Medal "for significant contributions to science and technology education, and professional practice; and through her leadership and creativity has inspired others to pursue careers in engineering and science; and for notable public service and contributions to the nation and humankind." She was also honored with the L'Oreal USA For Women in Science Role Model Award for raising awareness of the critical role that women play in the sciences.

Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson is a scientist, educator, and public policy advocate who has accomplished more than many of her peers. Today, her work continues to inspire, inform, and educate.

Editor's Note: Click here for Part 1 of this two-part biography. Click here for a recent Engineering News story about Dr. Jackson's recent appointment President's Council of Advisors in Science and Technology (PCAST).

Resources:

http://www.rpi.edu/president/profile.html

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=794366&category=RENSSELAER

http://www.cbs6albany.com/news/shirley-1262842-ann-president.html