The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) has named Ines Cifuentes, the first Latin American woman to receive a PhD in seismology at Columbia University, 2006 National Hispanic Scientist of the Year. The annual award recognizes Hispanic scientists who promote a greater public understanding of science and motivate Hispanic youths’ interest in science.

Former MOSI national Hispanic Scientist of the Year honorees include Dr. Edmond J. Yunis (2005), physician, researcher, Harvard professor; Dr. Antonio Coello Novello (2004), former U.S. Surgeon General; Dr. Maria Molina, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry (2003); Fernando “Frank” Caldeiro, NASA Astronaut (2002); and Dr. Alejandro Acevedo-Gutierrez, Marine Biologist (2001).

Dr. Cifuentes is currently education and careers manager at the American Geophysical Union with a focus on encouraging young minority students to study the earth sciences. In addition, she works with the staff and board of CASA of Maryland, the largest Latino advocacy organization in the state. Formerly, she served as director of the Carnegie Academy for Science Education in the District of Columbia, where she taught science and mathematics to educators, as well as elementary school students in the public school system.