STATE SCIENCE ADVISOR Overview The State Science Advisor (SSA), appointed by the Governor, provides advice and counsel on science and technology issues to the Governor, state legislature and other state agencies. The Science Advisor serves on a broad range of boards and commissions pursuant to the oversight of key scientific initiatives, research efforts, federal and state mandates and on-going programs devoted to science and technology issues. The Science Advisor has specific responsibility to supervise or participate in the following key areas. Teachers observing a rocket being blasted at this year’s
Advisory Council on Science and Weber Teachers Science Olympiad. Technology (SAC) The SSA and SAC review significant advances in science and technology and advise and make recommendations to the Governor, state legislature and governmental agencies on the use of science and technology to foster scientific literacy and to strengthen the state’s economy, educational system and quality of life. The SSA serves as an ex-officio member of the SAC and provides staff support for all SAC activities and initiatives. This year the SAC solicited and reviewed 33 nominations for the Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology. The dinner was held at the Clark Planetarium in January with over 200 attendees. Dr. Scott Sampson, a renowned paleontologist, was the emcee for the event, with Governor Huntsman presenting the awards to the eight awardees. The Governor’s Medal is a symbol of recognition for those individuals who have provided distinguished service in the fields of science and technology. The Governor’s Medal recognizes outstanding achievement in the following areas: academia, industry, government and education. The SAC also appointed three new members this year: Larry Madden, Lyman Frost and Tim Wood.
Crime Scene Investigation at the Granite Tech Institute summer camp.
Governor’s Office of Economic Development • Annual Report 2008
Utah Applied Science, Technology and Engineering Camps (ASTEC) The SSA supports a state-wide science camp initiative that provides opportunities for students to become involved in hands-on science, technology and engineering activities. This year the ASTEC program supported 18 camps, with over 800 participants projected for the camps. Participants are represented from the entire state of Utah, with five being offered in rural areas of the State. The Science Olympiad is one of the two camps that focused on bringing innovative, hands-on science education training to public education science teachers. The intended outcome of the camp was
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