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The Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science has bestowed one of its five distinguished scientists awards this year on engineering professor Enrique Lavernia. The society has been presenting such awards since 1997, recognizing contributions to the field of science and dedication to teaching and the mentoring of under-represented minority students, in furtherance of the society’s mission to foster the success of Hispanic-Chicano and Native American scientists.

The American Chemical Society’s Women Chemists Committee has named its first group of Rising Stars, including Annaliese Franz, assistant professor of chemistry. Ten chemists comprise the inaugural class of Rising Stars, established as a way to recognize mid-career scientists who have made significant contributions to the chemical enterprise. Franz joined the Department of Chemistry in 2007 after postdoctoral work at Harvard University. Her work focuses on new ways to make small organic molecules and has particular relevance for pharmaceutical chemistry.

The National LGBT Bar Association has named 40 lawyers — including Courtney Joslin, an acting professor at the School of Law — to the association’s 2011 list of the Best LGBT Lawyers Under 40. Joslin is a scholar in the field of family and relationship recognition, with a particular focus on same-sex and nonmarital couples. The LGBT Bar, an affiliate of the American Bar Association, recognizes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender legal professionals “who have distinguished themselves in their field and demonstrated a profound commitment to LGBT equality.”

Ricardo Castro, an assistant professor of chemical engineering and materials science, is the recipient of a Young Investigator Award from the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. Candidates for the Young Investigator Award must have contributed in an outstanding and innovative way to the progress of research in science and engineering.