EAST LANSING — Teresa Woodruff, former interim president of Michigan State University, won her second presidential award Friday.
The researcher and former MSU leader received the National Medal of Science on Friday. Arati Prabhakar, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, presented the medal to Woodruff during a ceremony at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, DC.
The medal, given to him for his work on oncofertility, is the first National Medal of Science awarded to Woodruff. Her research combines oncology – the study of cancer prevention – and reproductive health and focuses on how young cancer survivors, or those still undergoing treatment, can plan for their “future fertility”.
The National Medal of Science is the highest honor the nation can bestow on scientists and engineers, MSU said in a statement. Woodruff is the first person at the university to receive it.
“I am honored to receive this award,” Woodruff said in the release. “I have had the honor and pleasure of working with so many students and collaborators throughout my career. My fundamental belief is that science should help tomorrow’s patients be treated better than those of today.
In 2011, former President Barack Obama presented Woodruff with the award Presidential Award for Excellence in Mentoring in Science, Mathematics and Engineering during a ceremony in the Oval Office.
In March of last year, Woodruff returned to his former role as professor of obstetrics, gynecology, reproductive biology and biomedical engineering at MSU Foundation. She is currently on research leave until May, when she will return to teach on campus.
Woodruff named interim president from the university on October 31, 2022, after former president Samuel Stanley resigned.
Contact Sarah Atwood at satwood@lsj.com. Follow her on X @sarahmatwood.