Thomas Searles receives Young Professional Award from local STEM group
Thomas Searles receives Young Professional Award from local STEM group
Associate Professor Thomas Searles was honored May 1 by the Chicago Council on Science and Technology (C2ST) at its annual Science in the City gala with their Young Professionals Award.
C2ST is a nonprofit founded in 2007 with a mission to “inspire and engage all segments of our society about science and technology and their impact.” The group has partnered with over 250 institutions, including area academic institutions, museums, national laboratories, businesses, libraries, park districts, and others, to produce over 370 programs for the public.
C2ST’s accepts nominations for its annual awards from the public, and its board members vote on the submissions to name the awardees. According to Alexandra “Sasha” Prokuda, C2ST’s executive director, the group’s Young Professional Award is presented to “a young professional who promotes science and literacy through their programs and/or philanthropy; conveys principles of science and technology to the general public through written, oral or video-based presentations; and advocates for STEMM initiatives in civic and educational arenas.”
Searles does not know who nominated him, but was pleased to accept the accolade.
“I could not be recognized like this if it weren’t for the rich environment that you all created for me at UIC,” Searles said.
ECE Department Head and Professor Daniela Tuninetti celebrated Searles’ award.
“The quantum engineering program you helped create and grow is a testament to your amazing contributions to our university and to our beloved city,” Tuninetti said.