Guv to award 7 science medals

Gov. Jon M. Huntsman Jr. will be presenting a lofty award to seven Utahns for distinguished work in scientific and technological fields.

The award ceremony for the 2006 Governor's Science and Technology Medal is slated for 7 p.m. on Jan. 4, 2007, at the Utah Museum of Natural History on the University of Utah campus.

Selection of the seven leaders was made by Greg Jones, the state science advisor, and the State Advisory Council on Science and Technology.

According to a press release, the medal is "a symbol of recognition to those individuals who have provided distinguished service to the state of Utah in the fields of science and technology."

Honorees are:

Industry

Dr. Glen D. Prestwich, chief scientific officer for Carbylan BioSurgury Inc., Sentrx Animal Care Inc. and Glycosan Biosystems Inc. He is also a presidential professor and the chairman of the Department of Medicinal Chemistry at the U.

Using centers of excellence, "Dr. Prestwich created several Utah companies," says the medal citation. They include the current companies Sentrx Animal Care, Echelon Biosciences, and Glycosan Biosystems. He was involved in start-up companies Salus Therapeutics Inc. and Sentrx Surgical Inc.

"The various mergers, investments and acquisitions of the companies totaled more than $44 million and over 25 high-level industrial positions in Utah," it continues. He is a highly qualified academician with over 500 publications, 20 patent applications and has been a mentor for more than 140 students and post-doctoral fellows, the citation says.

Government

Theron Miller, environmental scientist, Utah Department of Environmental Quality.

In the DEQ's Department of Water Quality, Miller has led numerous studies, including one funded at more than $1 million by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Central Davis Sewer System. "Dr. Miller's ability to bring multiple agencies together for the study and protection of Farmington Bay and associated wetlands is remarkable," says the citation.

He gathered a technical advisory committee of scientists, technicians and representatives of Kennecott Utah Copper, conservation groups, the community and academics. Recently he made significant progress in measurements concerning the health of the Great Salt Lake habitat.

Education

Gina Sauzenbacher, biotechnology instructor, Jordan Applied Technology Center, Jordan School District.

"Ms. Sauzenbacher has demonstrated her commitment to science education in a variety of ways," reads her citation. "Her involvement with Salt Lake Community College's ... Biotechnology Program and local biotech companies to provide high school students with real research internships is a prime example of her commitment and innovation in this field."

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