Elaine Scott, Dean of University of Washington Bothell’s School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, received Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association’s inaugural 2013 Life Science Innovation Northwest Women to Watch in Life Science award.

The award, recently presented at the organization’s annual conference, recognizes women who are thought-leaders in their fields and shaping the future of their industries. Scott was recognized along with five other recipients for their innovation in several areas, among them, their role as industry leaders and their commitment to community service and mentoring.

Vice president of Global Clinical Affairs at Philips Healthcare and School of STEM board member Terrence J. Sweeney nominated Scott.

“Dr. Elaine Scott is a very welcome leadership addition to our Biomedical/Biotechnical life sciences community,” said Sweeney. “As the newly-appointed Dean, she has focused her efforts on assuring students enrolled in the new UW Bothell School of STEM receive the best life science educational background and training to prepare them for the many excellent job opportunities in the medical device and pharmaceutical industries right here in Washington state.”

Sweeney said Scott’s reach stretches far beyond the UW Bothell campus as she works to put this region on the national stage for the life sciences.  “She has directly engaged industry leaders to help her define the best student curriculum to fulfill the complex requirement for these high tech roles to help position our region as a national center for the life sciences.”

As the Dean of the newly created School of STEM, Scott is the first woman in the state of Washington to serve in this distinguished role. In addition to implementing cross-disciplinary research and cross-collaboration across disciplines, she has a long history of mentoring undergraduate and graduate engineering students throughout her career.

Although Scott received this honor for her accomplishments and commitment, she says the award is a win for the community.

“This honor exemplifies the wonderful support we have received for UW Bothell and our new School of STEM from the many biomedical device and biotechnology industries within the Bothell community.”

With the scheduled fall 2014 completion of the $62-million Science and Academic Building, Scott anticipates continued success in preparing UW Bothell students to work in the STEM fields. The 74,000-square-foot facility will house 11 science laboratories, 250 lab seats and accommodate 1,000 full-time students.