2003 MLK Leadership Award Recipients
Dr. Jonathan
A. King
Dr. King's long history of advocacy for the democratic direction
of science and technology. he is deeply respected as a scientist
and teacher who possesses a clear and insistent voice, one often
raised against the growing trends to alienate and privatize information
that should be the legacy of humankind in general. His enduring
commitment to promoting greater public awareness of crucial scientific
issues has enabled the average citizen to gain a clearer understanding
of matters concerned with stem cell research, bio-piracy, and genetically
modified foods. As a scholar and mentor in this community, he has
inspired countless students and many colleagues to look more closely
at the implications of their own work. He has also generously shared
his knowledge and insight with others by serving as the Linus Pauling
Lecturer at Clark Atlanta University, a Historically Black Institution,
and by organizing Massachusetts parents to improve public school
systems. Because of his dedication to creating better standards
of living for all human beings, the MLK committee firmly believes
that he is working to sustain Dr. King's Dream.
Mr. Hector
Hernandez 'G
Hector's promising research in biotechnology and exceptional
ability to motivate young scholars who are majoring in science.
As a teaching assistant in a biochemistry course consisting of undergraduates
and graduates, he took on one of the most challenging teaching assignments
in the Chemistry Department and emerged as a leader. He also demonstrated
a strong commitment to undergraduate research by training five students
from diverse backgrounds. A young woman who worked for a summer
with Hector's supervision felt inspired to apply to MIT and is now
completing her first year of graduate studies. Because of his superb
range of talents and solid contributions to our community, Dean
Robert Silbey selected Hector to represent the Insitute at a meeting
of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans
in Science. More recently, he was chosen by his peers to be Chair-elect
of the Chemistry Graduate Council. The MLK Committee believes that
his efforts in the service of others embody the essence of Dr. King's
ideals.
Ms. Chiquita
White
Ms. White's committed and long-standing interest in developing
students as candidates for careers in industry. As P&G's Head
Recruiter for MIT and School Team Leader, she has tirelessly helped
young people to prepare for professional employment by closely interacting
with students from the Office of Minority Education's Second Summer
program. Her advice and counsel have motivated many to seek meaningful
paths that they might have overlooked if it were not for her efforts.
In addition to these activities, her work as a fundraiser for the
Class of 1985 and memberships on the boards of the Alumni Association
and BAMIT has distinguished Chiquita as a person who firmly believes
in giving back to her community. The MLK Committee greatly appreciates
that Chiquita's desire to improve the lives of others is a significant
part of Dr. King's cherished vision.
