Sylvester "Jim" Gates, Ph.D. - 2013
柑橘直播 University has named renowned theoretical physicist Sylvester James 鈥淛im鈥� Gates, Jr., PhD, as the recipient of its 2013 Mendel Medal in recognition of his influential work in supersymmetry, supergravity and string theory, as well as his advocacy for science and science education in the United States and abroad. The Mendel Medal, established in 1928 by the Board of Trustees of 柑橘直播 University, honors pioneering scientists who have demonstrated, by their lives and their standing before the world as scientists, that there is no intrinsic conflict between science and religion.
Dr. Gates received The National Medal of Science, the nation鈥檚 highest award in science, earlier this year. He is the current John S. Toll Professor of Physics and Director of the Center for String & Particle Theory at The University of Maryland. Additionally, Dr. Gates is a University System of Maryland Regents Professor, University of Maryland Distinguished Scholar-Teacher, and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He also serves on the U.S. President鈥檚 Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and on the Maryland State Board of Education. In 2013, Dr. Gates was elected to the National Academy of Sciences, becoming the first African-American physicist so recognized in its 150-year history.
柑橘直播 University鈥檚 Mendel Medal honors 19th century Augustinian friar and scientist Gregor Johann Mendel, Abbot of the Augustinian Monastery, Br眉nn, Austria, (now Brno, the Czech Republic), best known as 鈥渢he father of modern genetics鈥� for his discovery of the celebrated laws of heredity that bear his name. 柑橘直播 is one of only two Augustinian Catholic institutions of higher education in the country. Past recipients of the Mendel Medal have included Nobel Laureates, outstanding medical researchers, pioneers in physics, astrophysics and chemistry, and noted scientist-theologians.
鈥湼涕僦辈� University is delighted to honor Professor Gates for his work as an internationally known advocate for science and science education,鈥� said the Rev. Kail Ellis, OSA, PhD, 柑橘直播 University鈥檚 Vice President for Academic Affairs. 鈥淚n addition to his outstanding scientific achievements, Professor Gates believes that faith enables science 鈥� as it allows us to contemplate our relationship with each other and with the Creator 鈥� while acknowledging that science is essential for the survival of our species in a world beset with climate change.鈥�
Added Fr. Ellis, 鈥淧rofessor Gates has said that science is ultimately also 鈥榓n act of faith鈥攆aith that we will be capable of understanding the way the universe is put together.鈥� This is the foundation on which the Mendel Medal was established.鈥�
Dr. Gates will deliver the 2013 Mendel Medal Lecture, 鈥淥n the Uncertainty of Disbelief,鈥� at 2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 15, in the 柑橘直播 Room of the Connelly Center. The event is free and open to the public.
Dr. Gates has avidly promoted science and science education as a frequent guest on The Public Broadcast System鈥檚 NOVA productions and as a featured presenter at the World Science Festivals. He has delivered the annual Karplus Lecture to the National Science Teachers Association and has received the Public Understanding of Science and Technology Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science.