CORVALLIS, Ore.‒The Oregon Academy of Science has made its 2016 awards for outstanding scientist, college educator and K-12 teacher to three Oregon State University researchers and educators, and a Beaverton high school teacher.

Awards were made to:

  • 2016 Outstanding Scientist Award, Mas Subramanian, OSU professor of chemistry, College of Science
  • 2016 Outstanding Educator in Science and Mathematics, Higher Education, Tevian Dray, OSU professor of mathematics, College of Science; and Corinne Manogue, OSU professor of physics, College of Science
  • 2016 Outstanding Teacher in Science and Mathematics, K-12 Education, Bradford Hill, Southridge High School, Beaverton

These awards promote merit in research and education by recognizing individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to science. Academy officials say that award winners serve as inspirational leaders to members of the Oregon Academy of Science, and embody the core values of serving students and advancing science for the common good.

Subramanian, OSU's Milton Harris Professor of Materials Science, was recognized for his innovative contributions to materials discovery.

"His discovery of the first new stable blue pigment in nearly two centuries is a singular scientific achievement," said Michael Lerner, an OSU professor of chemistry. This pigment efficiently reflects heat, could contribute to energy conservation, protects plastics and other materials from sun damage, and can extend useful lifetimes and enhance sustainability.

Dray and Manogue have co-authored dozens of publications addressing ways to improve mathematics and physics education. Through initiatives such as "Paradigms in Physics" and the "Vector Calculus Bridge Project," they have helped change how students learn math and physics, while working with professional organizations regionally and nationally to improve teaching and foster awareness of best practices.

"Their teaching prowess in the classroom is unmatched and continually praised by students," said Thomas Dick, an OSU professor of mathematics.

Hill engages students in his classroom through authentic scientific inquiry and consensus-building discussion. His students have the highest internal assessment scores in the Beaverton School District and score above international averages. He collaborates with other high school teachers to help struggling students, serves the entire school district to improve teacher practice, and has served on the Oregon University System's Advisory Panel on Engineering.

"I have not seen another educator matching Brad's commitment to student success and implementation of best practices," said Southridge Principal Todd Corsetti.

Source: 

Douglas A. Keszler, 541-737-6736

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