Lisa Pruitt, professor of mechanical engineering and bioenginering at UC Berkeley, was one of nine individuals to receive the 2003 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM). The award recognizes outstanding educational mentoring efforts that foster participation of underrepresented groups - including women, minorities and the disabled - in science, mathematics and engineering.

Pruitt, whose expertise is in the field of biomedical engineering, established a mentoring program that helped students transition from undergraduate to graduate level research. She has also developed outreach programs aimed at high school students, and provided an environment where students can rely upon their peers for support.

John H. Marburger III, science advisor to the president and director of the U.S. Office of Science and Technology Policy, presented the PECASE awards Tuesday, May 4, at a White House ceremony. The recipients of the PAESMEM awards were honored at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, May 6.