Bio Nebraska and Nebraska Cures announced today that the inaugural Nebraska Women in STEM Awards were presented to Dr. Eileen Hebets for Outstanding Woman in STEM and the AIM Institute for Outstanding Organization in STEM.
The honorees were recognized at the Nebraska Women in STEM Conference on Thurs., March 23, 2023, at the Graduate Lincoln in Lincoln, Nebraska.
“We created the Nebraska Women in STEM Awards to recognize amazing women representing Nebraska’s STEM industry, as well as the organizations in our state leading the way to reduce barriers for women in STEM,” said Amanda McGill Johnson, Executive Director of Nebraska Cures. “We received over 80 outstanding nominations and look forward to recognizing outstanding women and organizations for years to come.”
Nominations were reviewed by a committee of volunteers. The Outstanding Woman in STEM Award was presented by Dr. Bob Wilhelm, Vice Chancellor of Research and Economic Development, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the Outstanding Organization in STEM Award was presented by Sasha Forsen, Assistant Director of Bio Nebraska.
“This year’s award winners are perfect examples of how both individuals and organizations can support women in their STEM career journeys,” said Sasha Forsen. “It was an honor having the opportunity to recognize Dr. Hebets and the AIM Institute for their outstanding efforts to create more opportunities for women.”
The awards are part of the Nebraska Women in STEM Initiative started by Bio Nebraska and Nebraska Cures as a result of the Nebraska Women in STEM: Listen Then Act report. A download of the Listen Then Act report can be found at the Nebraska Women in STEM website HERE. An Executive Summary of the report is HERE.
Full Award Descriptions:
The Outstanding Woman in STEM Award honors a woman who has demonstrated a commitment to the STEM fields. Through specific actions the recipient has proven to be a leader and mentor in the STEM fields, breaking barriers and/or advocating for their peers and successors.
The Award for Outstanding Organization is for a company, agency, or other organization that has taken demonstrable actions to decrease barriers and to promote participation for women in STEM.