FRI recently held its biennial Awards Reception at the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Inner Harbor in Baltimore. During the reception several awards were presented to successful nominees.
The main award of the evening was the FRI Daniel Mendelsohn New Investigator Award. Nominees for this award are new investigators who show future promise, evidenced by commitment and achievement in research activities that address prevention, treatment or education issues during the early stage of their research careers.
Jan Gryczynski, Ph.D., Research Scientist, who began his career at FRI in 2006, was nominated for this award by Dr. Robert Schwartz, Medical Director/Senior Research Scientist. Dr. Schwartz stated that “[Dr. Gryczynski] is one of the smartest young investigators I have had the pleasure to collaborate with during my career” and “I cannot think of a single grant application or paper in which Jan was involved that he has not made considerably better though his creative and intellectual rigor, his hard work, focus, and his passion to improve the lives of others through science.” It was with great enthusiasm that FRI awarded Dr. Gryczynski with the 2014 FRI Daniel Mendelsohn New Investigator Award.
The FRI Mentoring Award was also awarded. Eligible nominees for the FRI Mentoring Award are Principal Investigators associated with FRI who encourage, enhance, and mentor scientists who are new to the field. The mentor assumes the role of a trusted friend and advisor to the new researcher.
Robert P. Schwartz, M.D., Medical Director/Senior Research Scientist, who began working at FRI in 2000, was nominated for this award by Dr. Jan Gryczynski, Research Scientist. Dr. Gryczynski stated that “Working with Robert has been a transformative experience that has greatly accelerated my development as a researcher and allowed me to flourish professionally and intellectually.” It was with great pleasure that FRI awarded Dr. Schwartz with the 2014 Mentoring Award. Dr. Schwartz also received this award in 2008 when he was nominated by Dr. Shannon Mitchell, Senior Research Scientist.
Eligible nominees for the Friend of Friends Award are individuals (who may or may not be employees) whose outstanding work has improved the lives of people spiritually, mentally, and physically, and reflect the mission of FRI, or whose work on behalf of FRI supports FRI in the fulfillment of its mission.
Arethusa Kirk, M.D., F.A.A.P., Pediatrician and Vice President of Medical Affairs at Total Health Care, was nominated for this award by Dr. Shannon Mitchell, Senior Research Scientist. Dr. Mitchell stated that “In developing community-centered research studies, it is rare to find a physician leader such as Dr. Kirk who has the vision, energy, and commitment to support the successful implementation of clinical research projects.” It was with great delight that FRI awarded Dr. Kirk with the 2014 Friend of Friends Award.
Eligible nominees for the FRI Employee Service Award are FRI employees who have had many years of service with FRI, exhibit outstanding work performance as well as dedication and loyalty to FRI, and demonstrate a strong work ethic.
Ms. Jane Ellen Gannod, Payroll Administrator/HR Assistant, who began her career at FRI in 2001, was nominated for the FRI Employee Service Award by Ms. Michele Hipsley, Chief Operating Officer. Ms. Hipsley stated that “Jane has demonstrated a strong work ethic, willingness to go over and above the call of duty, and immense dedication to her position and the FRI organization over the course of her employment.” It was with great pleasure that FRI awarded Ms. Jane Ellen R. Gannod with the 2014 FRI Employee Service Award.
