MOSI's National Hispanic Scientist of the Year Award

Imagine a day where 1,300 Hispanic students from at-risk schools meet a world-class scientist and learn that they have a lot in common.  That day happens every year at MOSI’s National Hispanic Scientist of the Year Award Meet the Scientist Day.  Now, imagine a smaller group of students who spend a year in a program that takes them from marginal students to qualified employees.  That program happens all year at MOSI with our YES! Team (Youth Enriched by Science).  Will you help us make this possible for more kids?

MOSI is pleased to announce Dr. Cristián Samper, Director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History as the 2011 National Hispanic Scientist of the Year.  A scientist and an international authority on conservation biology and environmental policy, he has dedicated the majority of his career to understanding and protecting Earth’s biological diversity. He is a member of the boards of the American Association of Museums, the Nature Conservancy, and the World Wildlife Fund. He is also a member of Harvard University’s Board of Overseers and Bioversity International’s Board of Trustees. His commitment to education and helping young people will make an impact on the students who meet him at MOSI.

As an educational resource, MOSI is dedicated to advancing public interest, knowledge, and understanding of science, industry, and technology.  With this in mind, we developed MOSI’s National Hispanic Scientist of the Year Award eleven years ago with the mission to recognize outstanding national Hispanic scientists who promote a greater public understanding of science and motivate Hispanic youths’ interest in science.  The proceeds from MOSI’s National Hispanic Scientist of the Year Award Gala fund Meet the Scientist Day as well as scholarships for underserved minority youth in the Tampa Bay area to participate in MOSI’s YES! Team program.  

The National Hispanic Scientist of the Year Award events will take place October 20-22, 2011.  We would like to invite you to support this worthwhile program.  Sponsors receive an array of marketing and promotional benefits.