USA (Commonwealth Union)_ In a distinguished ceremony, two accomplished Indian-American scientists were awarded the prestigious National Medals in the realms of science and technology by US President Joe Biden. Dr. Ashok Gadgil was honored with the National Medal for Technology and Innovation, while Dr. Subra Suresh received the National Medal of Science. According to an official statement from the White House, their groundbreaking contributions have paved the way for life-saving medical treatments, combating the opioid epidemic, enhancing food security, promoting accessibility, safeguarding democracy, and much more. These laureates have not only elevated American leadership in science, technology, and innovation but have also been a source of inspiration for the next generation of American intellects.
Dr. Ashok Gadgil, born on November 15, 1950, possesses a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of California and had earlier completed his M.Sc. in Physics at the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, in 1973. Dr. Gadgil’s professional journey has seen him as a distinguished professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of California, along with serving as the former director of the Environmental Energy Technologies Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). He also holds the role of Co-Editor for Annual Reviews in Environment and Resources and was formerly the Co-Editor in Chief for the Development Engineering journal.
Dr. Gadgil’s pivotal role extends to being the founder of Potential Energy, formerly known as the Darfur Stoves Project, where he devoted 12 years to its board. In 1993, motivated by a devastating cholera outbreak in India, Dr. Gadgil invented an exceptionally efficient UV water purifier that was not only cost-effective but also safe, durable, and user-friendly. His remarkable contributions led to his election as a member of the National Academy of Engineering in 2013, acknowledging his work in engineering solutions for clean water and energy in developing countries.
Dr. Subra Suresh, born in 1956 in India, achieved remarkable academic milestones, graduating from high school at the age of 15 and earning his undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees by the age of 25. Remarkably, he completed his doctorate at MIT in just two years. His distinguished career spans two decades as a faculty member at MIT, during which he served as Dean of the School of Engineering from 2007 to 2010. Subsequently, he assumed the role of Director at the US National Science Foundation (NSF) from 2010 to 2013. Further highlighting his contributions, he was the President of Carnegie Mellon University from 2013 to 2017.
In 2007, Dr. Suresh was inducted as a member of the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, an esteemed recognition of his contributions to the scientific community. In 2010, he was nominated by former President Barack Obama to head the US National Science Foundation, and his appointment received unanimous confirmation from the US Senate. Currently, Dr. Suresh serves in the distinguished position of Professor at Large at Brown University’s School of Engineering, a testament to his enduring commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation.
