Awards
Awards, Citations and Community Recognition
The following are acknowledgments of Dr. Zafra Margolin Lerman's contributions to education:
2007: The U.S. Civilian Research & Development Foundation (CRDF) George Brown Award for International Scientific Cooperation, "presented to an individual for his or her critical work in advancing international cooperation in science and technology -- particularly between the U.S., Eurasia, Middle East, and other regions where the CRDF works."
2005: American Association for the Advancement of Sciences honor bestowed, on International Human Rights Day, "in recognition of her tireless advocacy on behalf of scientific freedom and the human rights of scientists worldwide".
2005: New York Academy of Sciences Heinz R. Pagels Human Rights Award "in recognition of your effective and tireless work on behalf of dissident scientists throughout the world and in particular your groundbreaking efforts in the Middle East."
2005: Royal Society of Chemistry (England) Ronald Nyholm Lectureship Education Division. "The award has been made for your outstanding contributions to chemical education in defining and developing methodology to utilise visual and performing arts activities in the teaching of chemistry. An ebullient teacher, you have pioneered new educational techniques making science literacy available to young people everywhere and brought the joys of science to many thousands of students."
2004: Named an Honorary Member of the Cuban Chemical Society "For your contribution to the development of the Cuban chemical community."
2004: Council of Independent Colleges' Heuer Award for Outstanding Achievement in Undergraduate Science Education.
2004: "Chemists Working Cooperatively," read into the permanent Congressional Record by Illinois Senator Dick Durbin from the floor of the U.S. Senate (12 May 2004).
2003: National American Chemical Society Charles Lathrop Parsons Award, presented in recognition of
"outstanding public service by a member of the American Chemical Society."
2002: Honored in the US Congressional Record, "Proceedings and debates of the 107th Congress, Second Session," Vol. 148 No. 56 Read the full text here.
2002: James Flack Norris Award, American Chemical Society Northeastern Section for Outstanding Achievement in the Teaching of Chemistry. "In recognition of a career exemplifying excellence in chemical education."
2002: Mercedes Mentor Award in recognition of "outstanding work in the community and... as someone
who has touched, shaped and even changed lives through your example of dedication, leadership and
integrity."
2002: Inducted in the Today's Chicago Woman Hall of Fame.
2002: James Flack Norris Award, American Chemical Society Northeastern Section, for Outstanding
Achievement in the Teaching of Chemistry.
2002: "In Honor of Professor Zafra Margolin Lerman," read into the permanent Congressional Record by
Illinois Senator Dick Durbin from the floor of the U.S. Senate (7 May 2002).
2001: Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science; the citation reads: "For extraordinary innovations in education, especially for non-scientists and the underprivileged, and for truly exceptional success in defending persecuted scientists throughout the world'".
2000: Distinguished Service Award, Zarem/Golde ORT Technical Institute "In recognition of her
devotion and contributions of excellence to the Institute," Chicago, Illinois.
2000: World Cultural Council: José Vasconcelos World Award of Education 2000, given in recognition for valuable and pioneering contributions in the Science Education field; granted "for your productive trajectory developing efforts to utilize visual and performing arts activities teaching science, and for becoming 'a pioneer in the current renaissance of instruction in science, now used worldwide'".
2000: American Institute of Chemists Joseph Hyman Ethics Award, given in recognition of "individuals who perform their duties dictated by ethical consideration, in the face of difficulties, for the benefit of the public and/or workers in chemistry and chemical engineering." The citation for this award reads: "for her work on behalf of scientific freedom throughout the world and for supporting the human rights of scientists."
1999: Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring "for embodying excellence in mentoring underrepresented students and encouraging their significant achievements in science, mathematics, and engineering," White House, Washington, DC.
1999: Women's Bar Association of Illinois Women With Vision Award for the field of academics.
1999: Schermer Scholar-in-Residence, Youngstown State University, Ohio.
1998: Kilby Award "for extraordinary contributions to society through science, technology, invention, innovation and education." The citation for this award reads: "Israeli scientist whose legendary bravery and success defending scientists under persecution throughout the world is matched only by her creative ability to empower teachers to integrate art, music and theater with scientific concepts, making science literacy available to disadvantaged young people everywhere."
1998: National American Chemical Society Award for Encouraging Disadvantaged Students into Careers in the Chemical Sciences sponsored by the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation Inc. The citation for this award reads: "for her tireless support of underprivileged and minority students in discovering their own voices and improving their self-esteem and self-confidence, and for pioneering teaching methods which incorporate students' interest and cultural backgrounds into the learning of chemistry at all levels."
1998: Baskin Visiting Scholar, Glencoe, Illinois.
1998: ABC-TV featured Zafra Lerman as "Someone You Should Know" in its Evening News broadcast.
1997: Public Affairs Award, American Chemical Society-Chicago Section. The citation for this award reads: "In recognition of your outstanding efforts in defense of scientific freedom throughout the world; and for your extensive involvement in international activities, programs and issues; and for your innovative development of effective methods of teaching science to nonscientists; and for your continuing and unwavering support of the programs of the Chicago Section of the American Chemical Society...".
1997: Today's Chicago Women selected Zafra Lerman to be one of its "100 Women Making A Difference".
1997: Jim Edgar, Governor of the State of Illinois, proclaimed 8 March 1997 to be "Columbia College Community Science Fair and Fiesta Day in Illinois," in recognition of the annual event organized and chaired by Zafra Lerman.
1995: Chicago magazine named Zafra Lerman one of its 20 "Famous Unknowns" - Chicagoans who "advise the President, influence international events, ...celebrated worldwide, but (are) little known here at home".
1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001: Richard M. Daley, Mayor of the City of Chicago, proclaimed 3/11/95, 3/2/96, 3/8/97, 5/16/99, 5/21/00, 5/17/01 to be "Columbia College Community Science Fair and Fiesta Day in Chicago," in recognition of the annual event organized and chaired by Zafra Lerman.
1995: Jones Metropolitan High School Award of Recognition "as a Partner and Friend."
1995: Philip H. Sheridan Specialty School "in appreciation for your dedicated partnership with our school and the connection you have pioneered between the sciences and the arts. As an advocate for science for everyone, you have truly made 'science come alive' both at home and in the classroom. We gratefully thank you for bringing us 'Under the Umbrella'."
1995: 3M Corporation's STEP (Science Training Encouragement Program), "In keeping with 3M's dedication to science education and innovation, we are proud to present an internationally honored Modern Day Hero, Dr. Zafra M. Lerman, a trailblazer in creative science teaching. Dr. Lerman is a master of innovative thought and an illustrator of the power of diversity."
1991: Columbia College President and Board of Trustees, in recognition of Zafra Lerman's achievements in science education, established for her the Institute for Science Education and Science Communication, and bestowed upon her the title "Distinguished Professor of Science and Public Policy;" the only distinguished professorship in the college.
1990: Catalyst Award, National Award for Excellence in Chemistry Teaching, sponsored by the Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA), "presented in recognition of service to the scientific community in instructing and inspiring students."
1989: CASE Professor of the Year program. The citation for this award reads: "The Council for Advancement and Support of Education salutes you as an extraordinary professor and a National Gold Medalist."
The following are grant recognition to Dr. Zafra Margolin Lerman's as principal investigator:
2006-Present: Illinois Board of Higher Education No Child Left Behind Improving Teacher Quality state grant project ($98,000) to present "Creating the critical mass for a chain reaction of change" workshops for enhancement of science and mathematics knowledge of Chicago public school teachers.
2005-2006: Illinois Board of Higher Education No Child Left Behind Improving Teacher Quality state grant project ($116,000) to present "Creating the critical mass for a chain reaction of change" workshops for enhancement of science and mathematics knowledge of Chicago public school teachers.
2003-2005: Illinois Board of Higher Education No Child Left Behind Improving Teacher Quality state grant project ($145,000) to present "Creating the critical mass for a chain reaction of change" workshops for enhancement of science and mathematics knowledge of Chicago public school teachers.
2002-Present: Illinois Board of Higher Education ($125,000) to present "Creating the critical mass
for a chain reaction of change" workshops for enhancement of science and mathematics knowledge of
Chicago public school teachers.
2001-Present: WPWR-TV Channel 50 Foundation ($20,000) to take twenty minority children, who study
with her science through dance, to perform in a Gordon Research Conference on Science Visualization
in Mt. Holyoke, Massachusetts.
2001-Present: National Science Foundation ($100,000) "Development of a Biology Research Laboratory
for Art and Communication Students" for Columbia College students to perform research on cancer.
1999-Present: City of Chicago Board of Education ($1,000,000) in a partnership with Robeson High School, to develop a Mathematics, Science and Technology Academy.
1997-2001: Chicago Annenberg Challenge ($460,000) "The Fun, Beauty, and Challenge of Science" for teaching science to teachers and parents in Chicago's public schools.
1997-1999: City of Chicago Board of Education ($1,000,000) "'Hands-on, Minds-on, Feet-on' Science and Mathematics Enhancement Seminars: A Road To Success" for enhancement of science and mathematics knowledge and mentoring of high school science and mathematics teachers.
1994-1996: National Science Foundation ($47,000) "Instrumentation for Science Visualization and Communication" for development of a Science Visualization and Communications Laboratory.
1993-2000: Joyce Foundation ($632,300) "It Takes a Village to Raise a Child" for teaching science to teachers and parents in Chicago's public schools.
1993-1996: Illinois State Board of Education ($154,000) to present "Science Workshops for Teachers and Parents" in Chicago's public schools.
1991-1995: U. S. Department of the Navy Office of Naval Research and U. S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research ($393,000) for enabling non-science majors from Columbia College to participate in research projects with students from Northwestern University.
1991-1994: National Science Foundation ($265,000) "From Ozone to Oil Spills: Chemistry, the Environment and You" for developing a curriculum for non-science majors with Princeton University and Indiana University.
1989-Present: National Science Foundation ($1,896,000) "Physical Science Workshops for Teachers: Creating the critical mass for a chain reaction of change" for enhancement of science and mathematics knowledge of middle school teachers.
1987-Present: National Science Foundation ($164,000) "Science and Technology for Art and Communication Students" for development of curriculum and laboratories for education of non-science majors.