Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
The art of science
Franklin Institute presents annual awards for achievements in scientific research, development
The Franklin Institute was founded in 1824 by two men who wanted to teach and preach on just what Benjamin Franklin had been promoting throughout his life. It would be a place in which to learn about the “art” of science, as well as figure out ways to piggy-back on technologies that could make one’s life easier.
This was an ongoing plot and part of what’s expanded into making the Franklin Institute the most explored building in the state, as well as a sought-after place to hold everything from weddings to workshops and school outings to seminars, while learning about science, its sources and strengths.
The gentlemen, William H. Keating and Samuel Vaughan, would be proud of the way things have progressed, as well as the upgrades and changes that have been made since they were in charge. Today, the man at the helm, Larry Dubinsky, president and CEO of the Institute, has made his own mark on the fabled building, its science programs, planetarium and STEM system.
One of the guiding forces that brings gussied-up guests to the facility each spring is the annual presentation of Franklin Awards to those who’ve made strides in scientific research and development. This year’s class of honorees saw four females and five males receive honors and accolades for their contributions to business and sciences.
The Bower Awards for achievement in the sciences went to Philippe Horvath, Ph.D, for his work at DuPont Nutrition & Health in France, as well as to Anne M. Mulcahy for her years at Xerox where her savvy when faced with hurdles earned her high marks for leadership, as well as a handling of the finances associated with a strapped company.
Ben Franklin’s Chemistry Medal was received by University of Texas at Austin’s John B. Goodenough, Ph.D. (who must have been or there’d be no medal handed out).
The medal for outstanding work in computer and cognitive science was shared by Vinton Gray Cerf, a Ph.D. who works for Google, and Robert E. Kahn, Ph.D., who’s employed by the National Research Initiative in Reston, Va.
Ben’s medal for earth and environmental sciences was reserved for Susan Trumbore, Ph.D., who has figured out how to ascertain the amounts of carbon in the atmosphere and how that will effect changes in the normally expected atmosphere. Though educated in Jena, Germany, Trumbore now calls Irvine, Calif., “home.”
Adrian Bejan, who won the medal for mechanical engineering, is a member of the Mechanical Engineering School at Duke University who specializes in thermodynamics as well as convection heating systems.
Stanford University’s Helen Rhoda Quinn, Ph.D., who won the medal for physics, has examined the strengths and weaknesses of electromagnetic particles and how they interact.
Manijeh Razeghi, Sc.D, of Northwestern University, who won the medal in electrical engineering, is a guru when it comes to handling the uses for electrical engineering. Now adept at the study of ferreting out what can and cannot be done through the use of sensors or images, Razeghi is concentrating on how to beef-up wireless communication systems.
On a somber note, the institute also recognized the passing of eight former laureates from the Institute, including Stephen Hawking, Ph.D., and the 2015 Bower Award for Business Leadership recipient, Jon Huntsman Sr.
Looking for ways to “while away” the summer with kids home? Check out the Franklin’s many opportunities for children, adults and grandparents to learn more about Ben and his Institute by visiting fi.edu.