Though it's been days since meeting President Obama in the Oval Office, UB Professor of Chemistry Dr. Luis Colon is still wondering, "Did this really happen?" Colon's work has earned the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring.
"This was unbelievable," said Colon of his visit Wednesday to the White House. "I'm humbled that I received this award."
Though they didn't have much chance to converse, he was encouraged to learn that President Obama has directed the Office of Science and Technology to find ways to "capture the imagination of children early on and try to develop" their interest in science.
Parents, Colon says, can help also.
"One of the things to do: take those kids to the Museum of Science. As simple as that."
Children, he believes, "are really hungry to learn what is around them. So any opportunity that we have to make a game...or inspire the kids or stimulate them to learn, I believe we need to do much as we can with that."
For most, receiving a Presidential award would represent a lifetime achievement. Colon feels he didn't doing anything extraordinary to earn the unexpected award.
"I will continue to do what I've been doing the last 20 years. There's no more satisfaction than to see students become successful."
