JUNE 28, 2024 – GREENSBORO, NC – Two professionals located on the campus of Gateway Research Park have been honored with Excellence Awards at Triad BioNight 2024, a celebration of the region’s life sciences industry organized by the Piedmont Triad Office of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center. About 400 people attended the networking and awards event June 27 at the Grandover Resort and Spa in Greensboro.
The recipients were chosen by an independent awards committee after nominations were solicited from the region’s life sciences community. The following individuals and organizations won awards.
Academic Development Excellence Award: Sherine O. Obare, Ph.D.
Dr. Sherine Obare kicked off her first week as UNCG’s Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement with an award for her scholarly impact. Obare received the 2024 Academic Development Excellence Award, which recognizes educational program development or workforce skill development. Her research in environmental chemistry and engineering has led to innovations in the detection and remediation of environmental contaminants, the design of nanoscale materials for drug delivery, improved healthcare, biomass conversion, alternative energy and anthropogenic nanomaterials.
The professor of nanoscience, who previously served as dean of the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering located at Gateway Research Park, received the distinction for her work at the intersection of environmental chemistry and engineering. Her research has led to innovations in environmental contaminant detection and remediation; the development of nanoscale materials for drug delivery, healthcare, biomass conversion, and alternative energy; and an increased understanding of the fate, transport, and toxicity of anthropogenic nanomaterials.
Biotechnology Community Leadership Excellence Award: Molding Kids for Success
Molding Kids for Success is a non-profit organization in Greensboro that exposes youth to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. Molding Kids for Success was formed by Mr. Geoff Foster, CEO and President of Gateway tenant, Core Technology Molding Corporation.
The organization created a summer program allowing upper-elementary students or middle school students to perform STEM-based activities and to see first-hand how STEM principles are applied in industrial manufacturing rooms. The curriculum is aligned with the North Carolina Essential Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards.
The organization is a partner with NCBiotech on a Build Back Better federal grant that supports training and career opportunities in life sciences manufacturing for underserved and distressed communities, including historically excluded populations.