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I had the privilege of attending the 2009 Franklin Institute Laureate Award ceremony this past week. This event has been in existence since 1824. Each year a committee chooses esteemed individuals to receive these awards based on their contribution to science and technology. This year six “Benjamin Franklin Medals” were given to scientists who made great contributions in the fields of: Chemistry, Computer and Cognitive Science, Earth and Environmental Science, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, and Life Science. Before each recipient received their award there was a short film about them from childhood through to present. In every case, it was clear that not only was their development a slow methodical evolutionary process but also the work that has consumed them thus far. I sat in the audience and couldn’t help but think about Darwin and how he laid the groundwork for the development and understanding of the theory of evolution.

The two top awards, The Bower Award, made possible by the late Philadelphia chemical manufacturer Henry Bower, is one of the most significant science prizes in America. This award also includes $250,000. in prize money. Sandra M. Faber, Ph.D. won this award for her achievement in science. She had made extraordinary advances in our knowledge of the properties of distant galaxies, dark matter, large scale structure of the Universe, and black holes in galactic nuclei; and for innovative leadership in the development of astronomical facilities. She was absolutely amazing and her life story even more fascinating. The second award went to T. Boone Pickens for more than 50 years of creative and visionary leadership in energy production and delivery, and his recent focus on domestic renewable energy. He is around 80 years old and has a burning passion for his work second to none.

I was truly humbled in the presence of such greatness.

This class has certainly brought new meaning to my life. I feel as though I think more deeply - analyze more critically - and process all things in ways I didn't think humanly possible. Thank you to my amazing classmates and to Paul Grobstein and Anne Dalke.