Dr. Angela Wandinger-Ness was one of just 12 researchers this year honored with the 2020 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM). Wandinger-Ness is a professor in the University of New Mexico’s Department of Pathology, the Victor and Ruby Hansen Surface Endowed Professor in Cancer Cell Biology & Clinical Translation, and the associate director for Education, Training & Mentoring at the Comprehensive Cancer Center. This special award is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to recognize those who have mentored and enhanced the participation of individuals from underrepresented groups in STEM disciplines and professions. Each awardee receives a certificate signed by the President of the United States and a $10,000 award from NSF.
An expert in cell biology and protein biochemistry, Wandinger-Ness has been studying enzymes called GTPases for nearly 30 years and has personally mentored 74 students and fellows in her laboratory, particularly minorities, women and others who are under-represented in STEM fields. She holds awards for teaching and research; has authored over 90 peer-reviewed articles and reviews; and has disclosed 20 technologies, received seven U.S. issued patents and has one pending patent while at UNM.
See also, “Honored Twice Over,” by Michael Haederle on the UNM Health Sciences Newsroom Website at http://hscnews.unm.edu/news/honored-twice-over#:~:text=Now%20Wandinger-Ness,%20a%20professor,Comprehensive%20Cancer%20Center,%20has%20received.
To read more about the award, also visit “Excellence Awards in Science and Engineering Program: Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (EASE: PAESMEM),” on the NSF website at https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5473