Local Chicago Teacher and Researcher-Scientist to Be Honored at the Inaugural iBIO iCON Awards

CHICAGO-- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The iBIO Institute today announces two local individuals as its first iCON Award winners. Teacher Myrna Alvarez of Chicago is honored with the Institute’s 2007 “Knowledge-Builder” award, and Professor Chad A. Mirkin of Wilmette, Ill., is honored with the Institute’s 2007 “iCON Innovator” award.

The awards presentation is Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007, at the Four Seasons Hotel Ballroom, located at 120 E. Delaware Place in Chicago from 6-9 p.m., and celebrates the educators and researchers who are a critical part of our life sciences community.

Alvarez is a biology and chemistry teacher at Dunbar Vocational Career Academy in Chicago. Her exemplary teaching at the Grade 6-12 level promotes a better student understanding of biotechnology’s promise and challenges. Alvarez’ lessons have engaged students and improved their science achievement and interest in biomedical-oriented careers.

Dr. Mirkin is the director of the International Institute for Nanotechnology at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., and the George B. Rathmann Professor of Chemistry, Professor of Medicine, and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering. Dr. Mirkin is one of the 10 most-cited chemists in the world, as well as a renowned nanoscience expert. He is also the founder of two companies, Northbrook, Ill.-based Nanosphere, Inc. and Skokie, Ill.-based NanoInk, Inc., which are commercializing nanotechnology applications in the life science and semi-conductor industries.

“Both Myrna and Chad have dedicated a great deal of time and effort to not only creating awareness in the biotech field, but also to encouraging an enthusiastic approach in applied settings,” said David Miller, iBIO President & CEO. “Many people don’t know that biotechnology is the reason we have such things as products made with no trans fats, plants grown with fewer pesticides, and vitamins, fruits and vegetables that are free of toxins. Our iCON award winners are having a positive impact on their peers and students, who -- in turn -- have great influence as our future biotech leaders of tomorrow.”

The iBIO Institute’s iCON Awards were developed to recognize the role of education, research and training in fostering growth and building the next generation of Midwest biotechnology and life sciences innovators and leaders. As the region’s most prestigious honor, the annual awards celebrate the achievements of the most inspired academic, civic, and business leaders who nurture education, training and scholarship in the life sciences in Illinois.

For more information, photos from the event or to register, please contact Nathan Carris with iBIO at 312-422-1111 ext. 1 or ncarris@ibio.org. To learn more about the iBIO Institute and iCON Awards, please visit www.ibioinstitute.org/icon or call (312) 422-1111.

About the iBIO Institute

The mission of the iBIO Institute is to provide education, training, and research in biotechnology to members of the business and educational communities and to the general public. Its goal is to help create a globally-recognized biotechnology center in Chicago, Illinois, and the surrounding Midwest region. "Biotechnology" refers to the application of what humans know about biology to the creation of products and services that serve people and improve life. The organization’s programs support development of health care, agricultural, industrial, and environmental applications. The iBIO Institute offers programs for K-20 students and educators, training for industry workers, including entrepreneurs, public education, research of particular interest to Illinois and the Midwest. Visit www.ibioinstitute.org for more information.

iBIO

Nathan Carris, 312-422-1111 x 1

Communications Manager

ncarris@ibio.org