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
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