University of Minnesota scientist receives nation’s highest award for science and mathematics mentors

This week, the White House honored University of Minnesota Professor Maria Gini with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. Gini is one of only 25 individuals from across the country to receive the nation’s highest award for science and mathematics mentors, which highlights the vital role that America’s teachers and mentors play in shaping the next generation of technical leaders, including scientists, engineers, explorers and innovators.

Gini, a professor in the College of Science and Engineering, is a world-renowned researcher, educator and mentor in computer science. She is an industry leader in the field of robotics, artificial intelligence and multi-agent systems. 

“For more than 40 years, Professor Gini has exemplified a steadfast commitment to student success, and her extraordinary leadership as a mentor for underrepresented students in STEM has made a profound impact on the academic and professional journeys of countless individuals at the University of Minnesota,” said University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham. “Whether it’s through her classroom teaching or her innovative outreach programs with local high school students, Professor Gini has played a significant role in inspiring the next generation of leaders who will push the boundaries of science and technology forward for the betterment of our society.”

Gini has been with the University of Minnesota since 1982. She serves as a mentor for the National Science Foundation’s CSGrad4US program and as the chair of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence’s diversity and inclusion committee. Gini runs a summer program at the University of Minnesota to teach high school girls computer programming, and mentors undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students at the University of Minnesota and at peer institutions. She was named a Morse-Alumni Distinguished Teaching Professor in 1987 and a College of Science & Engineering Distinguished Professor in 2008. She is also an IEEE Fellow, ACM Fellow, and received the President’s Award for Outstanding Service in 2019.

“Receiving this incredibly prestigious award will reinforce confidence in myself and will give me renewed energy to continue mentoring students and junior colleagues,” said Gini. “This award really should go to all the people who supported me, inspiring me to share what I learned from them and to continue learning from my mentees.”

Established by Congress in 1995, the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring honors the demonstrated excellence mentors exhibit in broadening participation in STEM pathways and mentoring individuals from underrepresented groups in STEM education and the workforce. The National Science Foundation, which manages the award on behalf of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, provides each recipient $10,000. Learn more at paesmem.net.