Dr. Christa Wright, Director of the Center for Toxicology and Human Health at the Chemical Insights Research Institute (CIRI) of UL Research Institutes, will be recognized for her exceptional contributions to technical innovation and STEM education. She will receive the Outstanding Technical Contribution in Industry Award at the 2024 Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA) STEM Conference in Baltimore, Maryland on February 17, 2024.
Dr. Wright’s achievements in the field of STEM have distinguished her among numerous nominations reviewed by the BEYA Selection Panel. Her work aligns with the conference’s theme, Becoming Everything You Are. Notably, Dr. Wright developed and led a STEM summer program called EMPOWER from 2018 to 2021, funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. The program, conducted during her tenure at Georgia State University, engages underserved students and teachers in environmental health research, offering hands-on training and increasing awareness of environmental hazards and associated health risks. Dr. Wright’s dedication to mentoring and establishing research training opportunities for students, as well as her efforts to enhance science teaching capacity in high schools, have contributed to her recognition as an outstanding scientist and educator in the STEM field.
Dr. Marilyn Black, Vice President and Senior Technical Advisor at CIRI, commended Dr. Wright’s passion for STEM education and research. Dr. Wright’s groundbreaking studies on the toxicology of chemical exposure, combined with her commitment to mentoring and establishing training programs for high schools in the metro-Atlanta area, lay the foundation for a new generation of research scientists devoted to improving human health.
The BEYA Conference offers a platform for attendees to learn, exchange ideas, network, celebrate excellence, and explore STEM career opportunities. The awards are sponsored by organizations such as the Career Communications Group’s US Black Engineer and Information Technology magazine, The Council of Engineering Deans of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Lockheed Martin, Google, Actalent, and RTX. The recognition aims to honor excellence in STEM education and experience.
For more information about the Chemical Insights Research Institute (CIRI), please visit their website at www.chemicalinsights.org.
About the Chemical Insights Research Institute:
The Chemical Insights Research Institute (CIRI) is a nonprofit organization that focuses on scientific research, publication, education, and communication regarding environmental exposures arising from technologies and practices. CIRI’s mission is to understand the impact of these exposures on human health and develop processes for reducing associated risks. By providing actionable data and resources, CIRI assists manufacturers, educators, healthcare providers, and consumers in making informed decisions to protect human health.
About UL Research Institutes:
UL Research Institutes is a nonprofit research organization committed to advancing public safety through scientific discovery. Since its establishment in 1894, UL Research Institutes has dedicated its research efforts to create a safer, more secure, and sustainable future. Addressing global risks, including fire mitigation, air quality, safe energy storage, and digital privacy, the organization conducts independent research, analyzes safety data, and collaborates with experts to identify and address existing and emerging risks to human safety.
Contact:
Bert Kelly
(470) 957-7854
Bert.kelly@ul.org
