Daniel Connor, a research engineering manager with the Engineering and Innovative Technology Development (EITD) group, was recently awarded the Exceptional Public Service Medal by the Johnson Space Center.

The award recognizes “non-government individuals for sustained performance that embodies multiple contributions on NASA projects, programs, or initiatives.”

Connor has been with UAB since February 1997 and has been a leader in EITD’s ongoing work designing, building, and maintaining cold-stowage products for use in space flights and in orbit on the International Space Station.

JSC Director Vanessa E. Wyche and Associate Director Donna Shafer presented the award at a ceremony in Houston, Texas, citing Connor’s “exceptional sustained service and dedication to the success of Cold Stowage Operations enabling scientific research for over two decades.”

“Everyone at EITD is aware of what Dan’s leadership and contributions have meant to our work over the years,” said EITD Director Chad Duke. “This award shows that our peers around the country also recognize his contributions and have the same respect for his work that we have. We were all thrilled to see him receive this award.”

Connor is the second person affiliated with UAB to receive the Exceptional Public Service Medal, but he is the first active UAB employee to receive the award. Dean and Professor Emeritus Iwan Alexander, Ph.D., received the award in 2008, prior to his arrival at UAB. A partial list of former awardees can be found here.