Brigitte C. Widemann, M.D. and team 2021 Finalist Science and Environment Brigitte C. Widemann, M.D. and team Developed a breakthrough medical treatment for children with inoperable tumors that cause disabling pain, disfigurement, blindness and motor dysfunction.
David L. Boucher, Ph.D., John Lee, Ph.D., Daniel Wolfe, Ph.D. and the Ebola Medical Countermeasures Task Force 2021 Finalist Science and Environment David L. Boucher, Ph.D., John Lee, Ph.D., Daniel Wolfe, Ph.D. and the Ebola Medical Countermeasures Task Force Oversaw the research and development of vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostic tests that have been used to halt the spread of the deadly Ebola virus in Africa and avert the possibility of a pandemic.
Jay Barlow, Ph.D. 2021 Finalist Science and Environment Jay Barlow, Ph.D. Played an influential national role in monitoring and managing marine mammals by creating new survey methods and technology to protect and save the lives of whales, dolphins and other species.
Reem M. Ghandour, DrPH 2021 Finalist Science and Environment Reem M. Ghandour, DrPH Transformed and revitalized a national survey on children’s physical, emotional and developmental health, providing timely and insightful data to state and federal policymakers.
Sherry Hunt, Ph.D. and the Hydraulic Engineering Research Unit 2021 Finalist Science and Environment Sherry Hunt, Ph.D. and the Hydraulic Engineering Research Unit Pioneered critically needed design techniques to rehabilitate and strengthen thousands of aging dams across the United States, limiting potential failures that could lead to the loss of life and property.
Beth Ripley, M.D., Ph.D. 2020 Winner Science and Environment Beth Ripley, M.D., Ph.D. Created an interconnected, hospital-based 3D printing network that is assisting health care providers with medical procedures, reducing unnecessary surgeries and helping improve quality of life for veterans.
Donna J. Shaver, Ph.D. 2020 Finalist Science and Environment Donna J. Shaver, Ph.D. Championed the conservation and recovery efforts for the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, helping save the species from extinction by protecting and preserving the nests at Padre Island National Seashore.
Nancy J. Sullivan, Ph.D. 2020 Finalist Science and Environment Nancy J. Sullivan, Ph.D. Developed a highly effective medication for the deadly Ebola virus now awaiting federal approval, providing the ability to treat patients with this highly contagious disease that has ravaged African countries.
John F. Tisdale, M.D., Griffin P. Rodgers, M.D. and the Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics team 2020 Finalist Science and Environment John F. Tisdale, M.D., Griffin P. Rodgers, M.D. and the Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics team Pioneered innovative research that could lead to a cure for sickle cell disease, an illness that affects more than 20 million people worldwide.
Peter A. Briss, M.D. and the 2019 Lung Injury Response team 2020 Finalist Science and Environment Peter A. Briss, M.D. and the 2019 Lung Injury Response team Identified the chemical compound in vaping products that caused life-threatening lung injuries among young adults, communicating the danger to public health and saving lives.
Daniel B. Jernigan, M.D. 2019 Winner Science and Environment Daniel B. Jernigan, M.D. Led response efforts for dozens of disease crises, including Ebola, SARS and West Nile virus, while greatly improving our country’s ability to identify, prepare for and respond to inevitable flu pandemics
W. Marston Linehan, M.D. 2019 Finalist Science and Environment W. Marston Linehan, M.D. Discovered six different genetic origins of kidney cancer and provided the foundation for the development of targeted therapies that have saved thousands of lives
McMahan “Mac” Louis Gray 2019 Finalist Science and Environment McMahan “Mac” Louis Gray Created a game-changing technology that removes carbon dioxide from power plant emissions and absorbs heavy metals, such as lead, from municipal water supplies
Othmane Benafan, Ph.D. 2019 Finalist Science and Environment Othmane Benafan, Ph.D. Advanced the science and use of a special alloy that returns to its original shape after being heated, leading to groundbreaking technologies that enable safer, more efficient aviation and space exploration
Christina A. Neal and the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Team 2019 Finalist Science and Environment Christina A. Neal and the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Team Carefully monitored a large and sustained eruption of the Kīlauea Volcano in Hawaii and provided vital updates to protect residents, tourists and property from ash, lava and toxic fumes
Margaret Honein, Ph.D. 2018 Winner Science and Environment Margaret Honein, Ph.D. Collected and analyzed critical data to help protect women and babies from the mosquito-borne Zika virus that was spreading rapidly in the U.S. and its territories
Tim Schmit 2018 Finalist Science and Environment Tim Schmit Developed cutting-edge satellite technology for detecting and monitoring severe weather, helping protect people and property from approaching disasters
Soheila J. Maleki, Ph.D. 2018 Finalist Science and Environment Soheila J. Maleki, Ph.D. Led life-changing research on the causes, detection, prevention and potential remedies for peanut and tree nut allergies, which affect up to two million American children
Barbara G. Kutchko, Ph.D. 2018 Finalist Science and Environment Barbara G. Kutchko, Ph.D. Helped rewrite standards for the use of foamed cement in oil wells, to prevent blowouts and damaging oil spills and to better protect workers and the environment
Rory A. Cooper 2017 Winner Science and Environment Rory A. Cooper Designed innovative wheelchairs and other assistive technology equipment that has greatly improved the mobility and quality of life for hundreds of thousands of disabled veterans and other Americans
Justin C. Sanchez 2017 Finalist Science and Environment Justin C. Sanchez Oversaw research to develop life-like prosthetic arms with near-natural dexterity that enables amputees to pick up small or fragile objects, and is managing efforts to restore the ability for brain-injured soldiers to form new memories
David J. Lipman and the GenBank Team 2017 Finalist Science and Environment David J. Lipman and the GenBank Team Built and heads the world’s largest and most influential repository of genetic sequence data now being used by biomedical researchers around the world, including those studying infectious, autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases
David A. Hindin 2016 Finalist Science and Environment David A. Hindin Spearheaded the EPA’s use of advanced pollution monitoring technology to increase compliance with federal environmental laws, provide more public transparency and reduce harmful pollutants in our air and waterways.
Jaques Reifman and the APPRAISE Team 2016 Winner Science and Environment Jaques Reifman and the APPRAISE Team Developed an artificial intelligence system for medics to quickly detect if severely injured patients in transit are hemorrhaging, improving survival rates by preparing trauma centers to act immediately upon the patient’s arrival.
Dennis C. Reuter and the LEISA Team 2016 Finalist Science and Environment Dennis C. Reuter and the LEISA Team Developed a sophisticated instrument for NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft that revealed startling new information about Pluto’s terrain and composition, altering our perceptions of the solar system.
Jacob E. Moss 2015 Winner Science and Environment Jacob E. Moss Built an alliance of federal and international agencies, countries and corporations to bring more efficient cook stoves and cleaner burning fuels to homes in developing nations, protecting the environment and the health of millions of people worldwide.
Richard Alan Feely 2015 Finalist Science and Environment Richard Alan Feely Conducted eye-opening research on ocean acidification caused by global carbon dioxide emissions, which poses a serious risk to the health of sea life and the marine environment, and to people who rely on the oceans for food.
Christopher D. Doley 2016 Finalist Science and Environment Christopher D. Doley Crafted a comprehensive, multibillion dollar plan to repair the immense damage to waterways, land, fish and wildlife in the Gulf of Mexico caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Griffin P. Rodgers 2015 Finalist Science and Environment Griffin P. Rodgers Developed the first effective drug treatment for sickle cell disease to lessen pain and suffering, and oversaw a stem cell transplant clinical trial that reversed the debilitating illness in a majority of patients.
John Cymbalsky 2014 Finalist Science and Environment John Cymbalsky Brought together industry and environmental groups to adopt new efficiency standards for appliances and commercial equipment that will save consumers money and reduce energy consumption and air pollution.
Jeffrey Rogers 2014 Finalist Science and Environment Jeffrey Rogers Created a wearable sensor that provides real-time information on the risk of traumatic brain injuries to soldiers exposed to bomb blasts, resulting in quicker medical treatment and uncovering previously undiagnosed injuries.
William A. Bauman and Ann M. Spungen 2014 Winner Science and Environment William A. Bauman and Ann M. Spungen Greatly improved the health care and the quality of life of paralyzed veterans by developing new ways to treat long-overlooked medical problems.
Richard Rast 2014 Finalist Science and Environment Richard Rast Developed a new, low-cost method of locating and tracking space debris that could severely damage or destroy spacecraft and vital communications, navigation and weather satellites.
William Charmley and James Tamm 2014 Finalist Science and Environment William Charmley and James Tamm Led an interagency team that developed standards for cars and light trucks that will double fuel economy by 2025 and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 6 billion metric tons.
Josh Silverman 2013 Finalist Science and Environment Josh Silverman Discovered and led efforts to halt the release of more than one million tons of the world’s most potent greenhouse gas from Energy Department facilities.
David Lavery and the Mars Science Laboratory Team 2013 Winner Science and Environment David Lavery and the Mars Science Laboratory Team Led the Curiosity rover mission to Mars that is exploring the Red Planet’s geology and climate, and assessing whether conditions are favorable for microbial life and future human exploration.
Paul D. Jablonski 2013 Finalist Science and Environment Paul D. Jablonski Revolutionized coronary stent technology by developing a new platinum-chromium alloy that makes the device thinner, more flexible and visible by x-ray.
Nora D. Volkow 2013 Finalist Science and Environment Nora D. Volkow Demonstrated that drug addiction is a disease that changes brain function and created new strategies for treating patients with substance abuse issues.
Myron “Ron” Diftler and the Robonaut2 Team 2012 Finalist Science and Environment Myron “Ron” Diftler and the Robonaut2 Team Developed the first humanoid robot ever sent into space, a revolutionary machine with a unique human-like hand that can take over simple, repetitive or dangerous tasks now performed by astronauts.
Neal S. Young 2012 Winner Science and Environment Neal S. Young Saves lives through cutting-edge research and treatments for patients with bone marrow failure diseases, including the rare and once deadly blood disorder known as aplastic anemia.
Kyle Myers 2012 Finalist Science and Environment Kyle Myers Sets the scientific standards to ensure that the pictures produced by medical imaging devices are accurate and can be reliably used to assist in the diagnosis of serious diseases.
Barbara Linder 2012 Finalist Science and Environment Barbara Linder Developed and tested innovative ways to prevent and treat the growing epidemic of type 2 diabetes in children, particularly among minority and disadvantaged children who are at greatest risk for this disease.
Fenella France 2011 Finalist Science and Environment Fenella France Developed innovative imaging techniques to unearth new historical information from some of the nation’s most treasured documents, including the Declaration of Independence.
Diane Powell and the LAUNCH Team 2011 Finalist Science and Environment Diane Powell and the LAUNCH Team Created a unique government and private-sector partnership to identify, support and help take to market innovative technologies that offer solutions to global sustainability problems.
William A. Gahl 2011 Winner Science and Environment William A. Gahl Brings together medical specialists to diagnose mysterious diseases for desperate and long suffering patients.
Carl Burleson 2010 Finalist Science and Environment Carl Burleson Leading government and industry to deliver a quieter, cleaner and more energy-efficient aviation system.
Rafat R. Ansari 2010 Finalist Science and Environment Rafat R. Ansari Led breakthroughs that could revolutionize the care and prevention of cataracts, the leading cause of vision loss worldwide.
Joshua Bienfang 2010 Finalist Science and Environment Joshua Bienfang Used quantum physics and telecommunications technologies to develop a new way to send and receive 100 percent secure encrypted messages at record speeds.
Jeffrey M. Baker 2010 Winner Science and Environment Jeffrey M. Baker Led the design and construction of the world’s largest net-zero energy office building, demonstrating that buildings can be created to decrease energy consumption at no additional cost.
Robin Robinson 2009 Finalist Science and Environment Robin Robinson Led the development of the first avian influenza H5N1 vaccine—cited as the #3 medical breakthrough of 2007 by TIME magazine.
T. Allan Comp 2009 Winner Science and Environment T. Allan Comp Built a network of volunteers to revitalize communities in Appalachian coal country and the Western Hardrock mining region to repair decades of environmental degradation.
Jeffrey A. Schloss 2009 Finalist Science and Environment Jeffrey A. Schloss Opened the door to personalized medicine by developing new and affordable ways to sequence DNA as part of the Human Genome Project.
Compton J. Tucker 2009 Finalist Science and Environment Compton J. Tucker Pioneered satellite-based monitoring of vegetation to track human-induced climate change, provide early warning of famine, and prevent deforestation and the spread of tropical disease.
Patricia Guerry 2009 Winner Science and Environment Patricia Guerry Created the Campylobacter vaccine to prevent the world’s top cause of food-borne intestinal illness.
Leslie Holland-Bartels and the International Polar Bear Science Team 2009 Finalist Science and Environment Leslie Holland-Bartels and the International Polar Bear Science Team Determined a link between climate change and probable elimination of the polar bear in the next 45 to 75 years, and established a scientific process that will investigate other physical and societal changes.
Steven G. Chalk 2008 Winner Science and Environment Steven G. Chalk Leading many of our federal government’s most significant efforts to expand the development and use of renewable energy.
Greg Neudecker 2008 Finalist Science and Environment Greg Neudecker Built a coalition of government officials, local landowners and conservation groups to develop and execute a plan to restore Montana’s Blackfoot River watershed, the setting of the 1992 film A River Runs Through It.
Alexander E. MacDonald 2008 Finalist Science and Environment Alexander E. MacDonald Invented Science on a Sphere®, a teaching tool that displays environmental data on a globe-like screen and makes Earth-system science more exciting and accessible.
Raymond Carruthers and Jack DeLoach 2007 Finalist Science and Environment Raymond Carruthers and Jack DeLoach Developed environmentally friendly biological controls for saltcedar, an invasive tree that inflicted billions of dollars of damage to agricultural and natural areas.
Robert J. Lamb 2006 Finalist Science and Environment Robert J. Lamb Pioneered new conservation strategies built on cooperation between government, citizens, environmental groups and the private sector.
