The Southern Piedmont Technology Council recently presented the 2021 Innovative Stars of the Southern Piedmont awards.
IALR’s Yimeng “Jack” He received the Rising Star Award, which recognizes a young individual with a new initiative that has made a significant impact on our region. As Senior Analytical Chemist, He has helped establish IALR’s Analytical Chemistry Lab as the region’s premier testing lab for emerging agricultural products like hemp.
The Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC) program earned the Innovation in Education and Community Outreach award for its robust, sector-focused talent pipeline model that integrates early middle school exposure. IALR serves as program administrator, and GO Virginia is the lead funder.
Other award winners include: Trent Oswald, Danville Community College – Student Innovator Award; Eli Evans, Southern Virginia Higher Education Center – Student Innovator Award; Ken Larking, City of Danville – Innovation in Community Award; CIRC – Innovation in Technology Small Business Award; Dewberry – Innovation in Technology Large Business Award; and Inez Rodenburg, City of Danville – Chairman’s Award.
(L-R) Dr. Julie Brown and Jacob Taylor celebrate GO TEC’s Innovation in Education and Community Outreach Award while Yimeng “Jack” He holds the Rising Star Award.
