Hratch G. Semerjian, director of the Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, today received the NIST Equal Employment Opportunity Award.
Semerjian, a resident of GAITHERSBURG, Md., is being recognized for his concerted efforts in diversifying his laboratory's workforce. His accomplishments include establishing and implementing a graduate fellowship program for the Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory. To date, this program has resulted in the recruitment of four outstanding minority employees who are pursuing doctoral degrees.
Semerjian also initiated a fellowship program with the National Science Foundation which offers fellowships in the Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory to graduate students and faculty members at colleges and universities.
In addition to these efforts, Semerjian has appointed several women to group leader positions and has strongly encouraged and provided opportunities for scientific staff to pursue advanced degrees. His leadership has heightened the awareness of laboratory managers to the need for and benefits of a diversified workforce. NIST established the Equal Employment Opportunity Award in 1977.
As a non-regulatory agency of the Commerce Department's Technology Administration, NIST promotes U.S. economic growth by working with industry to develop and apply technology, measurements and standards.