Tonya Peeples, professor of chemical and biochemical engineering and associate dean for diversity and outreach, and Fatima Toor, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, were finalists for awards presented November 10 by the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI).

Peeples was a finalist for the Diversity Champion Award and was nominated by Cheryl Reardon, UI senior assistant vice president

for research and economic development.  Reardon's nomination emphasized, "As an individual researcher, an administrator, and as a leader in the state and national community.  Dr. Peeples has made an impact on improving the STEM pipeline through personal commitment, local partnerships, institutional leadership and effective collaboration."

Toor was a finalist for the Rising Star Award, nominated by Jennifer Ott, John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center training and outreach liaison.  In her nomination, Ott noted "Dr. Toor encourages diversity of all kinds in her research group as a critical component of achieving excellence and creativity in research."

The awards program recognizes women innovators, role models and leaders in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields. Sixty-one finalists were selected from 109 nominees.  The Women of Innovation Awards were established eight years ago by TAI to recognize, honor and promote the outstanding contributions Iowa women make to technological communities.

The Technology Association of Iowa is the premier professional organization driving the success of the state's technology industry and tech-based economy. It is dedicated to fostering innovation and promoting the success of organizations that develop and deploy technology across industry sectors.