MOSI honors 2006 National Hispanic Scientists of the Year.

For six years, MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry) has recognized nationally distinguished Hispanic science professionals. Past honorees include a former U.S. Surgeon General, a Nobel Laureate of Chemistry, a NASA Astronaut, a Marine Biologist, and most recently, a Harvard professor of pathology and former chief of immunogenetics at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This year, MOSI honors an educator whose passion for science allowed her to break barriers and become the first Latin American woman to receive a Ph.D. in seismology at Columbia University; Dr. Inés Cifuentes is the 2006 National Hispanic Scientist of the Year.

Dr. Inés Cifuentes is a child of two cultures. Although born in London, England, most of her childhood was spent in Latin America. Her father, from Quito, Ecuador, and mother from New York City, both economists with the United Nations, afforded her the opportunity to live in many different countries including Paraguay, Chile, Guatemala, and Ecuador. In 1988, she received her Ph.D. in seismology from Columbia University. Dr. Cifuentes is currently the Education and Careers Manager at the American Geophysical Union, with a focus on encouraging young Latino, African American, and Native American students to study the earth sciences. In addition, she works with the staff and board of CASA of Maryland (www.casademaryland.org)–the largest Latino advocacy organization in the state. From 1994-2005, she served as Director of the Carnegie Academy for Science Education (CASE) in Washington, D.C., where she taught science and mathematics to educators, as well as elementary school students within the public school system.

The mission of the MOSI National Hispanic Scientist of the Year Award is to recognize outstanding national Hispanic scientists who promote a greater public understanding of science and motivate Hispanic youths’ interest in science. Proceeds from the event help to fund scholarships for at-risk youth who participate in MOSI’s “YES! Team,” Youth Enriched by Science program.

The Youth Enriched by Science, “YES!” Team, is a career and educational enrichment program designed to help at-risk youth, between the ages 13 to 17, develop and progress in a supportive peer-group environment. Established in 1992, the focus of the program is to provide an opportunity for students to develop self-confidence, improve communication skills, build self-esteem and exhibit leadership skills. In addition, students are encouraged and motivated to pursue science both as a career and as an essential element of their total education. Mentors train students on science education, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, and incorporating their ideas into museum programs. Since 1996, about 90% of “YES!” Team participants have gone on to attend college.

This year, MOSI will present the National Hispanic Scientist of the Year Award to Dr. Inés Cifuentes, seismologist, Education and Careers Manager at the American Geophysical Union.

The Award will be presented on Saturday, October 28, during a gala event at the Museum of Science & Industry, in Tampa, Florida. During her visit, Dr. Cifuentes will have the opportunity to mentor several Tampa Bay area school children, many of whom will be visiting the museum for the first time, as well as university students.

In the year 2000, the Hispanic dropout rate rested at 27.8%, compared to 7% for White, non-Hispanic students and 13% for Black, non-Hispanic students.[1] These statistics are significant when considering the rapid population growth experienced by the Hispanic minority group. Studies show that in the year 2000 Hispanics comprised 12% of the total U.S. population, and it is estimated that this number will increase to 25% by the year 2050. “Due to several socio-economic factors affecting at-risk Hispanic students today, it is vital to involve role models who will inspire and motivate these students with their career and life experiences,” concluded Wit Ostrenko, MOSI President.

MOSI is the largest science center in the southeastern United States and home of the only IMAX® Dome Theatre in the state of Florida. Kids In Charge!, The Children’s Science Center at MOSI, is the largest children’s science center in the nation. MOSI educational programs and exhibits not only motivate learning by applying science to daily life, they encourage inquiry, creative thinking and problem solving.

Former MOSI National Hispanic Scientist of the Year Award honorees

Dr. Edmond J. Yunis (2005), physician, researcher, Harvard professor; Dr. Antonia Coello Novello (2004), former U.S. Surgeon General; Dr. Mario Molina, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry (2003); Fernando “Frank” Caldeiro, NASA Astronaut (2002); and Dr. Alejandro Acevedo-Gutiérrez, Marine Biologist (2001).