Stevens professor receives presidential mentoring award

HOBOKEN, N.J. — A professor at Stevens Institute of Technology has been selected to receive a Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. Dr. Ajay Kumar Bose, Professor of Chemistry, is one of 10 individuals from across the United States who will receive the 1999 award, which is administered and funded through the National Science Foundation.

On Dec. 6, Bose will receive the award in the fourth ceremony for the award at the White House. The award includes a $10,000 education grant and a commemorative presidential certificate. According to a news release from the White House, two central goals of the Clinton administration's science and technology policy have been to produce the world's finest scientists and engineers for the 21st century and to help all Americans achieve basic scientific literacy. The White House established the Mentoring Awards as one strategy to achieve the goal of developing a pool of highly trained scientists and engineers that reflects the nation's diverse population.

"No personal influence is as powerful, long-lasting and positive as that of a superlative mentor. The mentors receiving this award are a true national resource who play a key role in defining the quality of our nation’s future human resources in science, mathematics, technology and engineering," added NSF Director Rita Colwell in a news release announcing the 1999 awards.

For more than 40 years, Bose has conducted educational, research and mentoring programs that have enhanced the science and engineering careers of hundreds of women and minority students at the pre-college, undergraduate and graduate levels.

He is the founder and director of the Undergraduate Projects in Technology and Medicine (UPTAM) summer research program, which since 1972 has helped more than 400 students pursue careers in medicine and chemical sciences. Bose’s pre-college version of the program has helped high school teachers convey the excitement of chemistry through experimentation and has recruited many disadvantaged students from inner city schools for summer research experiences. Among a variety of other educational projects, his "Equipment of the Month Club" lends sophisticated equipment to inner city schools. Another program, "Alliance for Science Excellence," in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies, provides hands-on training to science teachers.

Bose, a faculty member at Stevens Institute of Technology since 1959, is internationally known for his research contributions in the field of penicillin chemistry and other areas of medicinal chemistry. Currently, he and his research group are making valuable contributions in the emerging technology of microwave assisted chemistry for environmentally friendly processes that can assist pharmaceutical companies and provide inexpensive laboratory training to high school students.

Among the other awards Bose has received are the Ranbaxy Science Foundation Award for excellence in research in medicinal chemistry and the 1997 National Catalyst Award of the Chemical Manufacturers Association for excellence in chemistry teaching. He was the 1990 New Jersey Professor of the Year, and a 1999 recipient of the American Chemical Society Award for Encouraging Disadvantaged Students into Careers in the Chemical Sciences. A 1992 New Jersey State Resolution recognized him for his contributions to science and education.

About Stevens Institute of Technology

Founded in 1870, Stevens Institute of Technology is one of the leading technological universities in the world dedicated to learning and research. Through its broad-based curricula, nurturing of creative inventiveness, and cross disciplinary research, the Institute is at the forefront of global challenges in engineering, science, and technology management. Partnerships and collaboration between, and among, business, industry, government and other universities contribute to the enriched environment of the Institute. A new model for technology commercialization in academe, known as Technogenesis®, involves external partners in launching business enterprises to create broad opportunities and shared value.

Stevens offers baccalaureates, master’s and doctoral degrees in engineering, science, computer science and management, in addition to a baccalaureate degree in the humanities and liberal arts, and in business and technology. The university has a total enrollment of 2,150 undergraduate and 3,500 graduate students, with about 250 full-time faculty. Stevens’ graduate programs have attracted international participation from China, India, Southeast Asia, Europe and Latin America. Additional information may be obtained from its web page at www.stevens.edu.  

For the latest news about Stevens, please visit StevensNewsService.com.