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Previous EPA STAR Fellow Dr. Ashanti Johnson Pyrtle receives the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring
Dr. Johnson Pyrtle , an EPA STAR fellow from 1997 to 2000, was announced as one of more than 100 science, math, and engineering teachers and mentors as recipients named today by President Obama to receive two prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence. The two awards are:
- The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring and
- The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring is awarded each year to individuals or organizations, recognizing the crucial role that mentoring plays in the academic and personal development of students studying science or engineering and who belong to minorities that are underrepresented in those fields. By offering their time, encouragement and expertise to these students, mentors help ensure that the next generation of scientists and engineers will better reflect the diversity of the United States.
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is awarded annually to the best pre-college-level science and math teachers from across the country.
President Obama said:“There is no higher calling than furthering the educational advancement of our nation’s young people and encouraging and inspiring our next generation of leaders,” “These awards represent a heartfelt salute of appreciation to a remarkable group of individuals who have devoted their lives and careers to helping others and in doing so have helped us all.”
Dr Ashanti Johnson Pyrtle is currently an Assistant Professor of Chemical Oceanography at the the College of Marine Science in St. Petersburg Florida. Dr Johnson Pyrtle's research involves the utilization of biogeochemical indicators to interpret past events that have impacted various marine, estuarine and freshwater environments. Her research group is currently examining the distribution, behavior, transport and retention of man-made and naturally occurring radionuclides in Puerto Rico, Southwest Florida and Savannah (Georgia) area inland and coastal ecosystems.
GK-12 Oceans: Bringing ocean science concepts and research to K-12 environments to enhance the experience of learning and doing science.
In addition to conducting aquatic science radiogeochemistry investigations, Dr Johnson Pyrtle also participates in several activities designed to facilitate the advancement and professional development of students representing diverse socioeconomic, cultural, gender, racial and academic backgrounds. Dr. Ashanti Johnson Pyrtle founded Minorities Striving and Pursuing Higher Degrees of Success in Earth System Science (MS PHD'S®) an organization established with a goal of providing professional development experiences to facilitate the advancement of minorities committed to achieving outstanding Earth system science careers. She currently directs the Minorities Striving and Pursuing Higher Degrees of Success in Earth System Science Initiative. Dr Johnson Pyrtle also co-directs the USF College of Marine Science OCEANS GK-12 Fellowship Program 
and serves as a member of the US National Science Foundation Advisory Committee on Environmental Research and Education, American Geophysical Union Diversity Subcommittee, American Society of Limnology and Oceanography Education Subcommittee, International Safe Water Conference Steering Committee, and Digital Library for Earth System Education Annual Meeting Planning Committee.
Full text of the White House Press Release
For more information on Minorities Striving and Pursuing Higher Degrees of Success in Earth System Science (MS PHD'S®) .
For more information on Dr. Ashanti Johnson Pyrtle's STAR fellowship research