University of California, Davis, Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi is among a dozen “Leading Women in STEM” to be honored today at the 2012 California STEM Summit in San Diego.

The awards recognize honorees for their achievements in advancing innovative and effective STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education initiatives across the state, and for being exemplary role models for California women and girls.

Katehi is an electrical engineer by training, with 19 U.S. patents in her name. At UC Davis, she holds joint appointments in the departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Women and Gender Studies. She has been a member of numerous national boards and advisory committees on science, engineering and education, including serving as chair of the National Academy of Engineering's Committee on K-12 Engineering education from 2007 to 2009.

Since her early years as a faculty member, Katehi has focused on expanding research opportunities for undergraduates and improving the education and professional experience of graduate students, especially from underrepresented groups. She has mentored more than 70 postdoctoral fellows, doctoral and master’s students in electrical and computer engineering.

This fall Katehi was awarded a grant of nearly $4 million by the National Science Foundation for a program aimed at increasing the participation of women, especially Latinas, in academic STEM careers.

"For our economy to thrive in the future, we need more young women, as well as young men, to have opportunities to study science, engineering and mathematics and pursue careers in these areas," Katehi said. "The California STEM Learning Network is a leader in advancing STEM education, and I am honored to receive this award."

The California STEM Summit brings together business, government, education, nonprofit and philanthropic luminaries to spark change in STEM education and workforce development, as well as to launch new STEM education initiatives.

Recognizing the dramatic need for increased numbers of women in STEM fields — only 25 percent of STEM jobs in the United States today are held by women — the California STEM Learning Network is highlighting accomplished women STEM leaders and supporting initiatives across California to bolster STEM education for female students, noting that women with STEM jobs earn 33 percent more than comparable women in non-STEM jobs.

“The California STEM Learning Network is proud to honor these highly accomplished education, industry, nonprofit and civic leaders for their innovative and successful efforts to create world-class STEM education across California,” said Chris Roe, California STEM Learning Network CEO. “Their leadership will ensure that our next generation of leaders is truly reflective of the great diversity and talent that we have in our state.”

The honorees, in addition to Katehi, are: Joan Bissell, California State University Chancellor’s Office; Sandra Birmingham, CSU Channel Islands; Rachel Bondi, Creative Artists Agency; Assemblymember Susan Bonilla (CA-11); Pamela Clute, UC Riverside; Judy D’Amico, Project Lead the Way; Dawn Garrett, Raytheon; Susan Hackwood, California Council on Science and Technology; Helen Quinn, Stanford University; Carol Tang, Coalition for Science After School; and Nancy Taylor, San Diego Science Alliance.

About the California STEM Learning Network (CSLNet)

The California STEM Learning Network is working to bring systemic change to how STEM is taught and learned in the state in order to prepare the nation’s most STEM-capable graduates. Established as a nonprofit in 2010, CSLNet brings together stakeholders from K-12, higher education, business and industry, governmental agencies, community-based organizations and philanthropies. Through this cross-sector collaboration, the network fosters innovation and helps to scale and sustain effective STEM teaching and learning in and out of school for all students.