+ + + RELATED WEBSITES: Emeagwali's Website

By Kimberly A. Crichlow Renown microbiologist Dale Emeagwali (a-MAG-wali) received the National Technical Association's (NTA) 1996 Scientist of the Year award in the field of cancer research. The award is designed to recognize not only those researchers in the medical community who have made medical breakthroughs, but also those that are regarded as role models and inspirations to other scientists. Dr. Emeagwali received the award and citation on October 18, 1996, as part of the annual convention of the NTA held in Cleveland, Ohio. The award banquet was attended by scientists and engineers from all over the world. The organization commended the professor for her contributions to the field of microbiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. Her greatest scientific accomplishments thus far include the discovery of isoenzymes of kynurenine formamidase in the bacteria Streptomyces paravulus. Prior to this finding, these isoenzymes were believed to exist only in higher organisms. This discovery is important because knowledge of this particular enzyme could lead to a better understanding of what causes cancer found in the blood, like leukemia. Dr. Emeagwali will add this award to a list of others already claimed including a listing in Who's Who in the World, the World Who's Who of Women, Who's Who in American Education, International Who's Who in Medicine, American Men and Women of Science, Who's Who in Science and Engineering and Who's Who in Technology, the Postdoctoral Fellow Award from American Cancer Society and National Science Foundations. Dr. Emeagwali earned her Ph.D. from Georgetown University's School of Medicine in 1981. She then spent 14 diligent years researching at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, University of Michigan Medical Center, University of Minnesota, University of Wyoming and Georgetown University's School of Medicine. Her research continues to this day on the fields of microbiology, fermentation, enzymology, virology, molecular biology, biochemistry and most recently protein structure and function. Dr. Emeagwali enjoys sharing her vast knowledge and hands on expertise with students. In addition to teaching undergraduate courses and research she has focused on younger students as well. One of her goals is to motivate students to develop a love for science. She has organized and conducted science workshops for 4-12 grade inner city youths under the umbrella of African American Science Day. She wants to tell students that, "The purpose of science is to do something useful... the intimidation factor is just an act." The sentiment that science is boring has particularly permeated the minds of young black children. Dr. Emeagwali feels that "Black people are told "You can't do math. We were taught inadvertently, and sometimes directly that we couldn't do that." She is working to reverse the lie that science is reserved for geniuses. Everyone has the ability to master the craft. All that is needed is that spark of interest. Dr. Emeagwali's hobbies include karate, painting and publishing poems in publications such as the Atlantic Monthly. She is a native of Baltimore and is married with one child. Her husband is also an award winning scientist. Click on emeagwali.com for more information. Reported by Kimberly A. Crichlow Campus Life Editor, Spokesman November 19, 1996, Baltimore, Maryland.