The Center for Advancing Research Impact in Society (ARIS) has selected PSU Professor Ken Stedman (Biology) as the 2022 ARIS Impact Goals award recipient.
ARIS awards recognize engagement in knowledge generation and translation for research that aligns with the goals of the National Science Foundation's (NSF's) broader impacts criterion for the societal impact of research. The Impact Goals Award honors work that supports inclusion, STEM education, science literacy, and STEM workforce development, among other categories.
"The awards committee was impressed by the long-term dedication you have to these goals and noted how important your contributions to public literacy over the past two years during the pandemic have been," wrote Susan Renoe, Executive Director and Principal Investigator at ARIS.
"Ken has a long and successful record of broader impacts activities that have engaged underrepresented and economically disadvantaged high school students in university-level science, involving undergrads in hands-on research opportunities, and engaging the public in science education and literacy. This award is well-deserved," said Jason Podrabsky, Interim Vice President of Research & Graduate Studies.
Stedman, a virologist whose research focuses on studying viruses in extreme environments, has made over 100 news appearances covering various COVID-19-related topics during the pandemic. Stedman involves undergraduates in research activities through Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) courses and programs, including BUILD-EXITO, McNair, and LSAMP. As an OMSI Science Communication Fellow, Stedman has worked to bring science to the general public. Stedman is also a lead scientist and co-founder of StoneStable, Inc. This Portland-based biomedical company develops silica-based technologies to preserve vaccines during transport where cold-chain storage is unavailable.
“Training, mentoring, and communicating, that is what I do. I am immensely privileged to have a position where I can communicate our science to others. Fundamentally, our research is supported by the public and it is my responsibility to share that research. I am greatly honored by being nominated and pleasantly surprised to receive a 2022 ARIS Impact Goals award and look forward to continuing to do what we do,” Stedman said.
Stedman will be honored at the 2022 Virtual ARIS Summit on May 24, 2022.
About ARIS:
The Center for Advancing Research Impact in Society (ARIS) works with U.S. and international scientists and engagement practitioners to build capacity, advance scholarship, grow partnerships and provide resources to help them engage with and demonstrate the impact of research in their communities and society. Founded in September 2018 and housed at the University of Missouri, with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the ARIS Center (ARIS, OIA #1810732) emphasizes support for serving traditionally underserved populations while providing inclusive public engagement to ensure a diverse science workforce. The work of the center is beneficial to researchers who increase knowledge and discovery, to practitioners who collaborate with researchers and community stakeholders, and to the public who benefit from research and education advancements. ARIS is home to a thriving community of practice including more than 1,000 members.