Gov. Mark R. Warner and Walter R.T. Witschey, director of the Science Museum of Virginia, will honor a University Professor with the Virginia's Outstanding Scientists and Industrialists 2003 Lifetime Achievement award.
Warner and Witschey will announce Biology Prof. Michael Menaker's award for his research on biological clocks to the Virginia General Assembly Feb. 18.
"It's very nice to get such a thing like this," said Menaker. "It makes me feel appreciated, which is lovely."
Menaker's work has shown that one part of the brain regulates the body's activity-rest and day-night cycles.
He was quick to acknowledge his students and fellow colleagues who have worked alongside him in his research.
The award is "also important for those who have worked with me and are being just as recognized as I am," Menaker said.
Colleagues say Menaker's main goal in life has been to understand biological clocks.
"He has used mammalian model systems and also studied birds and reptiles," Biology Prof. Carla Green said. "His goal was to understand the way animals keep track of time."
Menaker has been a mentor in the field of biology for many years.
"A lot of the very famous scientists have actually been trained by Michael Menaker," Green said. "He's like a father of the field."
Menaker also has worked to prove the significance of biological clocks in everyday life.
"The subject has gone from being a mysticism, an oddity, to being a major part in the biological society," Menaker said.
The Lifetime Achievement award will be presented for Menaker's dedication to science as well as the far-reaching success he has achieved in his field.
"He is really a leader in this internationally known field," Green said.
Menaker has spent 40 years of his life in the field of biological research. He strongly emphasized that biology plays an important role in everyone's life.
"A great many of decisions people have to make in their lives involve biology," he said. "From deciding the genetics of unborn babies to public policy decisions."
Other individuals recognized as by the Commonwealth include Gordon Ginder, director of the Massey Cancer Center and WEST* Group CEO Gerald Halpin. Ginder worked toward finding cures for cancer while Halpin worked to help advance understanding of the global warming problem.
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