The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring has gone to a familiar face in the scientific community: University of Minnesota Professor Maria Gini. Recognized this week at the White House, Gini stands among just 25 individuals nationwide to take home the prestigious honor, a testament to the exceptional roles mentors play in cultivating the nation's burgeoning technical talent, said the White House.
With more than four decades of dedication to student achievement, Gini has not only instructed within university walls but also reached out to the local community, particularly championing underrepresented groups in STEM. According to the University of Minnesota, "For more than 40 years, Professor Gini has exemplified a steadfast commitment to student success, and her extraordinary leadership as a mentor for underrepresented students in STEM has made a profound impact on the academic and professional journeys of countless individuals at the University of Minnesota," as stated by University President Rebecca Cunningham.
As a pioneer in robotics, artificial intelligence, and multi-agent systems, Gini's career at the University of Minnesota began in 1982. Her contributions extend to her role in the National Science Foundation's CSGrad4US program, chairing the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence’s diversity and inclusion committee, and directing summer programs aimed at teaching high school girls programming. Her mentorship has reached undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students, broadening her influence far beyond her own institution.
Professor Gini's reaction to the award further cements her collaborative and humble professional philosophy. "Receiving this incredibly prestigious award will reinforce confidence in myself and will give me renewed energy to continue mentoring students and junior colleagues," Gini said, as per the University of Minnesota. "This award really should go to all the people who supported me, inspiring me to share what I learned from them and to continue learning from my mentees."
The award, set up by Congress in 1995 and managed by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, includes a $10,000 honorarium.
