* Merrill Beckstead, professor and chairman, chemical engineering, Brigham Young University, for his research on the chemistry and stability of rocket propellant combustion and mentoring students in combustion and computer modeling.

* Jan Miller, chairwoman, and professor, metallurgical engineering, University of Utah, for developing a process known as Air Sparged Hydrocyclone technology, which has found applications in paper recycling, oil-water separation and radioactive waste cleanup.

* Theron Miller, environmental scientist, Utah Department of Environmental Quality and Division of Water Quality, for helping bring together agencies to study issues and work on Great Salt Lake waterfowl and shore birds.

* Glen Prestwich, presidential professor and chairman, medicinal chemistry, University of Utah, for his efforts in technology commercialization and starting companies such as Sentrx Animal Care Inc. and Glycosan Biosystems Inc.

* Pierre Sokolsky, professor and chairman, physics, University of Utah, for his work in the field of high-energy particle astrophysics, including being part of a team that discovered the highest-energy astrophysical event yet recorded.

* Gina Sauzenbacher, biotechnology instructor, Jordan Applied Technology Center, for her involvement in placing high school students in biotech companies to conduct research as interns and helping create state biotechnology standards and curriculum.

* Anil Virkar, professor and chairman, Materials Science and Engineering, University of Utah, for his research on solid oxide fuel cell technology and ceramic materials, along with co-founding the companies Ceramatec Inc. and Material and Systems Research Inc.

The awards will be presented Jan. 4 at the Utah Museum of Natural History.

- Greg Lavine