Announcing the 2024 Recipient of the Dickson Prize in Science

Dear Members of the CMU Community:

It is my pleasure to announce that Dr. Gilda A. Barabino has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Carnegie Mellon University Dickson Prize in Science. Dr. Barabino is the president of Olin College of Engineering, as well as a professor of biomedical and chemical engineering. Nominated by academic leaders here at CMU, Dr. Barabino was selected for this prestigious award for her technical and humanitarian accomplishments, drive for social good, exemplary character and demonstrated service in her field.

Dr. Barabino is a biomedical engineer trained in chemical engineering with a broad interest in global health and interdisciplinary engineering education and research. Her seminal research in sickle cell disease and orthopedic tissue engineering informed current technologies and formed the basis for novel therapies. A thought leader on race, ethnicity and gender in science and engineering, her work has a particular focus on creating cultures and climates that support a sense of belonging.

Among her awards and recognitions, Dr. Barabino is an elected member of the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Medicine, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, and the Biomedical Engineering Society. Dr. Barabino is a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers Award for Service to Society, the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering’s Pierre Galletti Award, Rice University’s Distinguished Alumni Award, and two honorary degrees from Xavier University of Louisiana and Dartmouth College.

CMU's Dickson Prize in Science was established in 1969 by Pittsburgh physician Joseph Z. Dickson and his wife, Agnes Fisher Dickson. One of the most prestigious awards bestowed by CMU, the prize recognizes substantial achievements or sustained progress in engineering, the natural sciences, computer science or mathematics. Visit the Dickson Prize website to learn more about the award’s background and past winners.

The award will be presented to Dr. Barabino when she delivers the annual Dickson Prize in Science Lecture on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, as part of the University Lecture Series. Registration details will be shared ahead of the event.

I am delighted to welcome Dr. Barabino to our campus to learn more about her many impactful contributions to the field of science and to recognize her for her extraordinary achievements.

Sincerely,

James H. Garrett Jr.
Provost and Chief Academic Officer