At the 2023 annual spring meeting on April 21, Dr. Jim Lewis was a recipient of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences Friend of Science Award.
The Nebraska Academy of Sciences annually recognizes one or two people with high achievements in attaining the historical and current objectives of NAS. The Friend of Science Award is the highest recognition bestowed by the Academy.
Jim Lewis is an Aaron Douglas professor of mathematics; past director of the Center for Science, Mathematics and Computer Education; and the director of STEM education research initiatives in the Office of Research and Economic Development at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. From 2004-2006 he served as chair of the Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences. From 2015-2018 he worked at the National Science Foundation, first as deputy assistant director and then as acting assistant director for the Directorate for Education and Human Resources. Lewis was chair of the writing team for The Mathematical Education of Teachers II; co-chair of the National Research Council committee that produced Educating Teachers of Science, Mathematics and Technology: New Practices for the new Millennium; and a member of the AMS Task Force that produced Toward Excellence: Leading a Doctoral Mathematics Department in the 21st Century.
The second awardee was Dr. Ray Ward, founder and past president of Ward Laboratories in Kearney.
The 2023 meeting was honored to welcome 388 registrants and 190 new members and see the renewal of the Science Education Section and growth in abstract submissions in nearly every section area. NAS eagerly anticipates future opportunities to gather, connect, and continue its journey of growth and discovery together. Past Friend of Science honorees can be found at https://neacadsci.org/resources/Documents/Friend of Science Award Winners 2022.pdf.