Faculty Awarded for Encouragement of Women in Science

The West Texas Association for Women in Science (WT-AWIS) presented awards Friday (June 8) to two individuals for their support and encouragement of women in sciences.

Katy Henderson, Texas Tech University assistant vice president for research/finance and administration, received the Outstanding Woman Leader (O.W.L.) Award. Brandt L. Schneider, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) associate professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, received the Champion of Women (C.O.W.) Award.

“Our organization each year recognizes the men and women who have demonstrated their commitment to the education, training and mentoring women in science, technology, engineering and mathematic disciplines, as well as to the overall gender equity in science,” said Kendra Rumbaugh, WT-AWIS president and associate professor in the Department of Surgery at TTUHSC.

Henderson’s nomination pointed out that her contribution falls in the realm of administration, where she actively promotes a professional and supportive atmosphere for faculty to thrive. The nomination said, “Katy has served the OVPR for 15 years, and through example and guidance, Katy creates a productive work atmosphere with a defined goal of minimizing demands on faculty, so that they are free to focus on academic pursuits. Her efforts in creating an effective administrative atmosphere, her mentoring of women in administration, and her focus on minimizing time demands on faculty deserve acknowledgement.”

Schneider’s nomination points to equal opportunities he has provided to women in his laboratory over the years, both professionally and personally. The nomination said, “All six of his TTU Howard Hughes Medical Institute Undergraduate Research Scholars have been women that have/will go on to pursue successful careers in science. Dr. Schneider has always been very understanding of working mothers and has always emphasized that family comes first. Dr. Schneider values the importance of family.”