As a career nurse, Shirley Nathan-Pulliam knows what works and what’s broken in Maryland?s health care system.
As a delegate in the Maryland General Assembly, she has worked to fix what she can and help fight racial disparities in health care.
“I fought so hard to make this an important aspect of the issues we are dealing with in Annapolis,” she said of her leadership in the Minority Health Disparities Subcommittee. “Having practiced in the state of Maryland for the last 46 years, I saw the issues I?m fighting for.”
The University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute honored Nathan-Pulliam and three other Maryland legislators for their commitment to the sciences at their annual award breakfast in Annapolis Wednesday.
“A number of legislators here in Maryland really have a commitment to biotechnology,” UMBI spokesman Gene Levinson said. “This is our way to honor some of the legislators we really depend on for support.”
Nathan-Pulliam also received praise for helping fund stem cell research and other work, according to a UMBI statement.
Sen. Lisa Gladden earned honors for her commitment to funding HIV research, science education and protecting the Chesapeake Bay, including Baltimore?s Inner Harbor.
Del. Dan Morhaim received recognition for finding ways to protect the environment, from recycling computers and electronic equipment to promoting green architecture.
Del. Brian Feldman lead the creation of the Maryland Biotechnology Investment Incentive Act to improve funding of biotech business.
UMBI President Jennie Hunter-Cevera described the act as “a stunning example of homegrown genius,” in a statement. “I am so proud that the fund created by the act is over subscribed.”
