We are delighted to announce that Dr. Nohra Mateus-Pinilla has been selected as the recipient of the Prairie Research Institute's 2024 Distinguished Research Scientist Award. This prestigious recognition is bestowed upon individuals whose exceptional contributions to their field of research, environment, and society stand out as exemplary.
Dr. Mateus-Pinilla, the director of the Wildlife Veterinary Epidemiology Laboratory at the Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), a division of the Prairie Research Institute, has been a trailblazer in the realm of wildlife disease management. With over two decades of dedicated service, her impact spans across various disciplines, leaving an indelible mark on scientific research and public education.
As stated by Alfred L. Roca, professor of animal sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, "Dr. Mateus-Pinilla's groundbreaking contributions to wildlife disease management, coupled with her unwavering dedication to public engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration, exemplify the highest standards of scientific excellence." Roca highlights Dr. Mateus-Pinilla's pivotal role in understanding the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) among Illinois white-tailed deer, emphasizing her leadership in collecting and analyzing thousands of samples and her instrumental role in establishing collaborative efforts across various scientific domains.
Moreover, Jan Novakofski, retired executive associate vice chancellor for research and professor of animal biology at the U. of I., underscores Dr. Mateus-Pinilla's exceptional leadership in managing collaborative relationships with state and federal agencies, academic institutions, and the general public. He emphasizes, "Without Nohra's vision and leadership skills, our two decades of collaboration could not have succeeded, much less prospered."
Dr. Mateus-Pinilla's extensive research portfolio includes significant contributions to understanding CWD, a disease with profound implications for wildlife and potentially human health. Her leadership in CWD control efforts in Illinois has been instrumental in making the state a model for disease management, as highlighted by Novakofski: "Significant credit for this success must be given to Dr. Mateus. Through her long partnership with the Department of Natural Resources, coordination of all CWD testing done in Illinois, functioning as the scientific lead for management efforts in the State, and working closely with scientific and public stakeholders, Dr. Mateus has been a central figure providing consistent vision and ongoing leadership to CWD control efforts in Illinois."
In addition to her scientific prowess, Dr. Mateus-Pinilla's commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists is exemplary. She has supervised numerous undergraduate and graduate students, providing them with invaluable research experiences and guidance, as noted by Roca: "In my experience, her commitment to supporting and training students and postdoctoral researchers is second to none."
Dr. Mateus-Pinilla's dedication to advancing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and mentoring future scientists embodies the spirit of the Distinguished Research Scientist Award. Her contributions not only enhance our understanding of wildlife diseases but also serve as a beacon of inspiration for scientists and researchers worldwide.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Dr. Nohra Mateus-Pinilla was presented with the PRI’s 2024 Distinguished Research Scientist Award in a ceremony on May 14, 2024. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Mateus-Pinilla on this well-deserved honor.
Dr. Mateus-Pinilla can be reached by email, nohram@illinois.edu, or by phone, (217) 333-6856.
