The annual AWIS-Chicago “Innovator Award” exemplifies AWIS-Chicago’s commitment to recognizing women in the Chicagoland area who have provided innovative research contributions in science and engineering. We are also aware that although good mentors are an important component to a successful career, their contributions are often overlooked. To highlight the invaluable support that a great mentor provides, AWIS-Chicago is also accepting nominations for the recipient of our “Motivator Award”. Superb mentors from any or the broad branches of STEM (science, technology, engineering or mathematics) are eligible for this award.
Please fill out this nomination form by December 1st.
Criteria for both awards are listed below.
Innovator Award Criteria
- A female scientist with innovative contributions to fields of science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM)
- Geographically located within the Chicagoland area
- AWIS membership not required
Motivator Award Criteria
- An individual (male or female) with demonstrated service, support, and mentorship of women in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM)
- Geographically located within the Chicagoland area
- AWIS membership not required
Lisa McChesney-Harris, PhD is a Pharmaceutical Scientist who received her B.A. degree in Chemistry from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, and her doctorate degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of Kansas. Lisa has over 32 years of industry experience spanning pharmaceutical sciences, regulatory affairs, 503B compounding and quality / CMC consulting. She is the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Science Officer & Founder of Prompt Praxis Laboratories which opened its doors in 2011. She is highly regarded as an expert in pharmaceutical chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC), outsourced compounding, and analytical testing.
Krista Chassee is currently the Associate Director of Quality and Food Safety over at Synergy Flavors. From a young age, Krista knew her passion was in the food, beverage, and flavors industry as it runs in her family; She received her Bachelor’s in Food Science and Nutrition from the University of Missouri – Columbia where she was able to study abroad in New Zealand and specialized in bee keeping during her time there. (FUN FACT: She also jumped off the 2nd highest bungee jump in the world while she was there!) With over a decade of experience within the industry, Krista has been an extraordinary leader and subject matter expert as she was one of the few selected to help overlook an opportunity abroad regarding Quality and Food Safety during her time as well. 
Erica Langley is currently a Senior Quality Control Manager over at Diasorin. She has been featured in news outlets such as FoxNews, ABCNews, and Good Morning America to share her personal journey as a breast cancer survivor and competitive bodybuilder. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology and her Master’s degree in Microbial and Molecular biology from Chicago State University. She has over 14 years of industry experience serving in the medical device and biotechnology industries.
