Awards + Honors

SRI's Mimi Award

SRI's Mimi Award is the highest recognition offered to staff members who inspire co-workers and contribute to their professional development and success. The award was established in memory of Marian (Mimi) S. Stearns, who was SRI's Vice President, Health and Social Policy Division (now the Education Division).

2011 . 2010 . 2009 . 2008 . 2007 . 2006 . 2005 . 2004 . 2002 . 2001

1999 . 1998 . 1997 . 1996 . 1995 . 1994

	2011 Robert Swezey, supervisor of bioanalytical chemistry in the Toxicology and Pharmacokinetics group in SRI Biosciences, for inspiring his co-workers and contributing to their growth, development, maturity, and success. Rob is noted for how he guides, tutors, and counsels his team, and is described as an excellent listener and collaborator. He is also described as a strong, creative scientist who exhibits vivid interest in a variety of topics.
	2010 Mary Tanga, senior director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research in SRI Biosciences, for her special ability to make people feel appreciated and respected, and in encouraging their professional development. Nominators noted that she instills the confidence to overcome technical hurdles and find solutions, and that her faith in her staff contributes to their faith in themselves. Perhaps one of her nominators said it best: "She is the embodiment of professionalism, inspiration, and enthusiasm that the Mimi Award was created to recognize."
	2009 Gregory Faris, Ph.D., a program manager in SRI’s Molecular Physics Laboratory, for his generosity, love of teaching, and his special interest in helping post-doctoral fellows succeed in their careers. Greg also works closely with undergraduate students performing research at SRI as part of the National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. He's described as nonjudgmental, patient, and considerate, with a "human touch" in dealing with his colleagues that is quite motivating.
	2008 Geneva Haertel, Ph.D., an area director in SRI’s Center for Technology in Learning, for negotiating complex technical issues while drawing out the expertise of others. Haertel, who has conducted research on student learning for more than 25 years, is making a mark in the field by developing the next generation of researchers with the same passion, quality, and vision that characterize her own work.
	2007 Carol Green, senior director of the Toxicology and Pharmacokinetics group in SRI Biosciences, for her superb leadership capabilities and ongoing mentorship of staff. Green, a pioneer in the study of human cell metabolism, is an internationally recognized leader in the field of comparative metabolism, with more than 100 publications and abstracts in top journals in her field.
	2006 David L. Huestis, associate director of the Molecular Physics Laboratory in SRI's Physical Sciences Division, for his role as a key figure in MPL successes, being a mentor to countless colleagues and students, and for being an enthusiastic collaborator and friend. The MPL performs fundamental and applied research in areas such as atmospheric chemistry and physics; trace species detection; biomedical optics; and high-temperature materials. The laboratory celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2006.
	2005 Christine Peterson, former director of federal business development for SRI, for creating a consistently positive atmosphere in which SRI staff members are empowered to succeed both individually and as a team. Her dedication to advancing the professional development of others led her co-workers to increased responsibilities, expanded opportunities, and successful government-client relationships. She enthusiastically shared her knowledge of people, markets, offices, and organizations. For new researchers, she developed training programs that encouraged confidence and responsiveness.
	2004 José Blackorby, director of SRI's Center for Education and Human Services, for his strong team-building and mentoring abilities. He is described as truly caring about his staff's needs and professional growth, which has resulted in a motivated team dedicated to SRI's success.
	2002 Cynthia Ford, formerly Chief Information Officer, for fostering trust, commitment, and creativity in her leadership of Information Technology Services at SRI. By inspiring new staff members and by encouraging the professional growth of her team, she promotes excellent working relationships with internal clients. Her guidance has led to outstanding customer service and to the development of quality products. As a mentor, she has established an environment in which staff members are dedicated to long-term success and to the continuing enhancement of their professional contributions.
	2001 John "Matty" Mathieson, formerly director of SRI's Center for Science, Technology and Economic Development, for his extraordinary mentoring abilities and keen sense for effective team building. He is described by his staff as "empowering", an "inspiration", a "role model", "nurturing", and "the embodiment of true leadership". Mathieson has a tremendous ability to provide opportunities for his staff to grow professionally, which has resulted in a productive and motivated team dedicated to SRI's success.
	1999 Mary Wagner, principal scientist in SRI's Center for Education and Human Services, for conveying confidence in others so that each individual feels empowered and competent. She is dedicated to growing business, supporting team efforts and demonstrating a fundamental sense of respect for every staff member. Her example of trust and support has produced a remarkable level of morale and purpose. As an excellent researcher and evaluator who relates to colleagues, superiors and subordinates, she has inspired a commitment to making the world a better place for children.
	1998 Robert A. Brown, director of SRI's Applied Optics Laboratory, for his role in the career development of many people at SRI by helping them acquire skills for strategic planning, goal setting and negotiation. By emphasizing that SRI is a community rather than a set of individuals or collection of laboratories, he has inspired staff members to be dedicated to one another in their work. He encourages others to increase both job scope and responsibility. As a proponent of principle-centered management, he has been a facilitator at SRI for the course on Seven Basic Habits of Highly Effective People.
	1997 Teresa Middleton, formerly associate director of SRI's Policy Division, for mentoring in a way that has shown people how to grow and succeed by expanding their work roles. As a trusted team builder and diplomatic negotiator, and one who treats all staff equally, she promoted confidence by giving credit and opportunities to others. Her research focus has been the implementation of instructional technologies in K-12 school settings. She used her Mimi Award sabbatical to lead the development of PatchWorx, an online community for critically ill and disabled children.
	1996 Werner Graf, a senior technical advisor in SRI's Engineering R&D Division, for his consistent and active interest in the professional and personal development of his co-workers. He has encouraged teamwork by example through his ability to arbitrate, to find creative solutions and to support others in the quest for success and improvement. As a mentor, he has made an enthusiastic and earnest contribution to the education of working adults in the field of electrical engineering. His positive attitude and structured approach have inspired those with whom he has worked.
	1995 Donald L. Nielson, vice president (retired), Computing and Engineering Sciences Division (now Information and Computing Sciences, for his approach to managing research and people by seeing the big picture. He has been inspirational through his ability to tread a steady course and gain satisfaction from staff success. As a mentor, he has successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of balancing counsel and advice with empowerment.
	1994 David Crosley, a senior staff scientist in SRI's Molecular Physics Laboratory, for providing opportunities and support for young scientists. He has set a professional example as a dedicated coach and mentor by being generous with his talent, time, and ideas, and thus challenging his staff to increase goals and horizons. Through positive encouragement, he has promoted incredibly high scientific and professional standards.

SRI's Mimi Award

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