PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Date: February 11, 2008

For More Information:  Rochelle Diamond 626 395-4947

We are pleased to announce the 2008 NOGLSTP Recognition Awards recipients: Arnold M. Zwicky (GLBT Scientist of the Year), Michael J. Steinberg (GLBT Engineer of the Year), and Michael Falk (GLBTA Educator of the Year). These people will be honored at the 5th Annual NOGLSTP Recognition Awards Ceremony at a reception sponsored by Raytheon and held during the American Association for the Advancement of Science Annual Meeting in Boston. This event will be held Sunday, February 17, 4-6 pm at the Sheraton Boston, 3rd Floor, Berkeley. All interested people are welcome to attend this reception and awards ceremony; registration for the AAAS Annual Meeting is not required.

Honorees are receiving the only award of its kind for their ground-breaking achievements in a variety of areas, including defense technology. The National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals is delighted to announce the winners of the GLBT Scientist, Engineer, and Educator of the Year award at its annual award ceremony, sponsored by Raytheon and held during the American Association for the Advancement of Science Annual Meeting.

The NOGLSTP Recognition Awards were established as a means of identifying, honoring, and documenting the contributions of outstanding GLBT science, engineering and technology professionals, as well as corporations, academic institutions, and businesses that support GLBT professionals in the fields of science and technology.

“Young GLBT engineers or those considering studying engineering need to realize that everyone's contributions are critical to the overall future of our nation,” said Michael J. Steinberg, recipient of the 2008 Engineer of the Year award. “I am glad I'm putting my education and experience to use in this way. It really does make me proud of what I do as a gay engineering leader, and this award just amplifies that feeling.”

Mr. Steinberg is being awarded for his outstanding technical achievements and leadership as an out, gay engineer in the defense industry. His research and development work over the last 22 years at Raytheon Missile Systems is highly classified state-of-the-art and is of great importance to the United States Department of Defense. Other recipients include:

2008 GLBT Scientist of the Year: Arnold M. Zwicky, Ph.D.: As an openly gay linguist, Dr. Zwicky has been an excellent role model for his students and colleagues. Dr. Zwicky is currently a Visiting Professor of Linguistics, Stanford University and a Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of Linguistics, Ohio State University and has authored over 120 professional publications in his long and distinguished career.

2008 GLBTA Educator of the Year: Michel Falk, Ph.D.: Dr. Falk is currently an Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and of Applied Physics at the University of Michigan. Throughout his distinguished studies and 10-year academic career, Dr. Falk has been open and out in the LGBTA community both on and off campus serving as a role model for diversity, an exemplary educator and a leader to his students, colleagues and community.