Dr. Elizabeth Yanik honored in Washington, D.C. as science, math and engineering mentor

The White House recently announced that Dr. Elizabeth Yanik, professor in the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Economics at Emporia State University was a recipient of the 2004 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM).

This Presidential Award recognizes individuals and organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to mentoring students and increasing the participation of minorities, women and disabled students in science, mathematics and engineering. The awardees were honored at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. presided over by John H. Marburger, science advisor to President George W. Bush and director, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President.

The annual award, administered by the National Science Foundation, includes a $10,000 grant for continued mentoring work and a Presidential commemorative certificate. The PAESMEM program seeks to identify outstanding mentoring efforts and programs designed to enhance the participation of groups underrepresented in science, mathematics and engineering. The awardees will serve as exemplars to their colleagues and will be leaders in the national effort to more fully develop the Nation's human resources in science, mathematics and engineering.

Yanik received her PhD in Mathematics at the University of Kentucky. She is the assistant director of the Women and Mathematics Network, a national organization for directors of outreach programs for young women.  She also serves on the Board of Directors of Women and Mathematics Education.  She is a co-organizer of MASTER IT -Mathematics and Science To Explore caReers Investigating Together, which is a residential summer program for rising 8th and 9th grade young women.  This is funded by a National Science Foundation grant.

Yanik along with her colleague Dr. Marvin Harrell organizes two annual conferences for young women in Kansas: "Expanding Your Horizons" and "Sonia Kovalevsky Day." Both are observed at colleges and universities nationwide. Sonia Kovalevsky Day recognizes high school women who have excelled in mathematics; and Expanding Your Horizons is a conference for middle school girls where they participate in hands-on experiences and career discussions aimed at helping them stay interested in math.

Since 2001, Yanik has helped organize two summer "Women Count" conferences that bring together experienced and prospective directors of math outreach programs for young women.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>