University of California San Diego Chancellor Marye Anne Fox received the country's highest science award from President Obama this week.
Fox, a chemist, received the National Medal of Science during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.
"It was a very special moment for me personally and professionally," Fox told The San Diego Union-Tribune. "I was able to bring two grandchildren to see this. And it is good to know that the work you've done has had a positive impact on society."
Fox was honored for decades of research in basic chemistry, including work that has helped improve solar energy, better reveal the nature of air pollution and advanced scientist's understanding of possible biological attacks by terrorists, according to the newspaper.
She also helped convince Congress to invest more money in scientific research, and has presided over one of the largest periods of growth in the history of UCSD, the Union-Tribune reported.
