Bush presents science medal to Indian American

Friday, 07 November 2003, 20:30 IST
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WASHINGTIN: An Indian American scientist is among the seven presented National Medals for Science and Technology by President George W. Bush. Bush awarded Kolkata-born Haren Gandhi of Ford Motor Company, Michigan, along with the others in a White House ceremony Thursday. Bush paid a tribute to the scientists, engineers, inventors and innovators. "Each of these recipients has set a standard of excellence. Each is widely admired by peers and sets a fine example for the next generation of scientists, mathematicians and engineers," Bush said. "And all of them represent the finest qualities of their professions and the finest qualities of our country." He said: "Each year, our nation honours outstanding work in science and technology. These honourees have given exceptional service in their fields, and bring great credit to themselves and credit to our country. "Today we express America's pride in their achievement and our respect for these National Laureates of Science and Technology." Gandhi won the honour for research, development and commercialisation of automotive exhaust catalyst technology and for his role in shaping the industry from its very beginning and continually pushing to improve the quality of the air we breathe. Currently he carries the title of Ford Technical Fellow - the highest rank of a scientist/engineer in Ford Motor Company. The citation for Gandhi said he has led the automotive industry in ensuring the judicious use of precious metals. Born in Kolkata on May 2, 1941, and raised in Mumbai, Gandhi did his bachelors in chemical engineering from the University of Bombay in 1963, and his masters and doctorate from the University of Detroit in 1967 and 1971 respectively. Gandhi joined Ford in 1967 as a research engineer and has held a number of research engineering and staff scientist positions within the company. He has distinguished himself in leading-edge research, development, and implementation of automotive exhaust catalysts at Ford's Scientific Research Laboratories. Many of the advances in catalyst technology he has commercialised at Ford have subsequently been adopted throughout the industry, setting him apart as one of the most influential persons in the history of automotive exhaust catalysis. His work has resulted in more than 70 technical publications and he is the author of more than 40 U.S. patents in automotive exhaust catalysis and related areas. Gandhi has had an illustrious career winning numerous technical awards, including five Henry Ford Technological Awards in 1985, 1988, 1989 and two in 1994.
Source: IANS
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