Kansas City, Mo. (Jan. 7, 2008) – – R. Scott Hawley, Ph.D., Investigator, was honored with the Excellence in Education award by the Genetics Society of America (GSA) at a Jan. 7 reception.

     In addition to his research at the Stowers Institute, Dr. Hawley serves as a Professor of Molecular and Integrative Physiology at the University of Kansas Medical Center; an Adjunct Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Missouri Kansas City; and an Adjunct Professor of Biology at The University of Kansas.

     “Dr. Hawley is a gifted researcher who has made significant contributions to the field of genetics, but his reach extends far beyond the laboratory,” said William B. Neaves, Ph.D., President and CEO. “He is a dedicated educator who approaches the subject with an infectious enthusiasm. He is committed to training and mentoring the next generation of geneticists, and the field will be stronger for it.”

     Founded in 1931, the GSA includes nearly 5,000 scientists and educators interested in the field of genetics. The Society promotes the communication of advances in genetics through publication of the journal GENETICS, and by sponsoring scientific meetings focused on key organisms widely used in genetic research.

     In 2007 the GSA established the award for Excellence in Education in recognition of geneticists who have or have had a significant and sustained impact on genetics education from grades K-12 through graduate school and beyond. Recipients of the GSA award for Excellence in Education have promoted greater exposure to and deeper understanding of genetics through distinguished teaching or mentoring, development of innovative pedagogical approaches or tools, design of new courses or curricula, national leadership, and/or public engagement and outreach.

     Dr. Hawley is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and an American Cancer Society Research Professor. Learn more about his work at www.stowers-institute.org/labs/HawleyLab.asp.

About the Stowers Institute
     Housed in a 600,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility on a 10-acre campus in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, the Stowers Institute for Medical Research conducts basic research on fundamental processes of cellular life. Through its commitment to collaborative research and the use of cutting-edge technology, the Institute seeks more effective means of preventing and curing disease. The Institute was founded by Jim and Virginia Stowers, two cancer survivors who have created combined endowments of $2 billion in support of basic research of the highest quality.