The Maryland Academy of Sciences and the Maryland Science Center honored the recipients of the 2012 Annual Outstanding Young Scientist (OYS) and Outstanding Young Engineer (OYE) awards at a presentation in October at a reception at the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore.

Jordan Green, a researcher in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at The Johns Hopkins University, received the OYE award.

The OYS and OYE awards recognize Maryland residents 35 years of age or younger that have distinguished themselves early in their careers for noteworthy scientific accomplishments. Following nomination and endorsement by their mentors and colleagues, award recipients are selected by members of the Maryland Academy of Sciences' Scientific Advisory Council, which provides expertise and content review to the Maryland Science Center.

Dr. Green has integrated engineering, biology, chemistry and materials science to create synthetic biodegradable nanoparticles that can safely and effectively deliver nucleic acids into human cells. This transformative technology has wide-ranging applications, from regenerative medicine to treating diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Green is Principal Investigator in the Biomaterials and Drug Delivery Laboratory of the Biomedical Engineering Department at The Johns Hopkins University. He received his bachelor's degree from Carnegie Mellon University and his Ph.D. in Biological Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Green received the Allen C. Davis medal in recognition of his OYE award.

About the Maryland Science Center
Named one of Parents Magazine's Top 10 Science Centers in America, the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore makes science understandable and fun for more than 500,000 visitors a year. The Maryland Science Center inspires, fascinates, motivates, and engages children and adults with dozens of interactive exhibits, traveling exhibitions, original presentations in the world-famous Davis Planetarium, larger-than-life movies in the five-story St. John Properties IMAX Theater, and hundreds of hands-on programs delivered throughout the state each year.

About the Maryland Academy of Sciences
Created in 1797, the Maryland Academy of Sciences is the state's oldest scientific institution and one of the oldest such institutions in the country. Initially conceived as a scientific society, the Academy later adopted the role of interpreter of science and technology for the public, creating exhibits designed to illustrate fundamental scientific principles and industrial developments. The organization was the precursor to, and is the legal name of, the Maryland Science Center. The Academy opened its permanent location in Baltimore's Inner Harbor in 1976.