As Jamaica celebrates its national heroes and other outstanding achievers today, a top scientist from the island, Dr Patricia Deleon, is urging more women to step forward and be major decision makers in the hallways of power.

Deleon, who is due to receive the United States Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engi-neering Mentoring later this year, said she hopes her achievements will impel women to stamp their class in Jamaica and the world.

"The award should positively impact Jamaican women, and women in general, assuring them that they have a place at the table and encouraging them to strive to overcome the obstacles and roadblocks that our culture inadvertently imposes," she said.

Her presidential award will be handed out during a ceremony to be held at the White House later this year.

Deleon, who is the trustees distinguished professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Delaware, told The Gleaner she was stunned at being selected along with 22 other recipients in her category.

"I was surprised and excited, as I consider this to be a significant personal achievement. This award is by far the most prestigious award that I have received and serves as recognition of my efforts throughout my career," she said.

"I consider it as recognition for a lifetime achievement."

Deleon is known internationally for her research on genetics. Her research interests include the genetic and molecular mechanisms of spermatogenesis, epididymal function and the molecular aspects of fertilisation.

Deleon acknowledged the strong primary education she received in Jamaica, and encouraged the island to build upon that, even in the area of science.

"Jamaica has a tradition of having a strong primary, secondary, and university educational system, from which I have benefited greatly. Every effort should be made to maintain and enhance all aspects of the system because a bright future for the country depends on expanding the minds and potential of its students," she said.

She added: "All countries have an obligation to foster the development of the sciences, mathematics and engineering by providing resources. These resources can be used to develop centres of excellence to harness the potential and creativity of young scientists and engineers who hold the future for innovations that will lead to the progress of the country, and its success in competing externally."

Deleon will be in the island next year for the annual commemoration celebration and homecoming for alumni of the University of the the West Indies, where she completed a Bachelor of Science (honours) degree in natural sciences in July 1967 and her MSc in December 1969 in the Department of Pathology.

She said she was eager to partake of the island's fruits and cuisine, which she dearly misses.

"I cannot get callaloo and ackee and salt fish here to please my palate the way they did when I was a teenager growing up on the island," she said.

According to the White House website, the winners receive the award for recognition of "the crucial role that mentoring plays in the academic and personal development of students studying science or engineering and who belong to minorities that are under-represented in those fields."

In announcing the list earlier this year, US President Barack Obama lauded all the winners.

"There is no higher calling than furthering the educational advancement of our nation's young people and encouraging and inspiring our next generation of leaders," Obama was quoted as saying on the White House website.

"These awards represent a heartfelt salute of appreciation to a remarkable group of individuals who have devoted their lives and careers to helping others and in doing so have helped us all," he continued.research interests include the genetic and molecular mechanisms of spermato-genesis, epididymal function and the molecular aspects of fertilisation.

Deleon acknowledged the strong primary education she received in Jamaica, and encouraged the island to build upon that, even in the area of science.

"Jamaica has a tradition of having a strong primary, secondary, and university educational system, from which I have benefited greatly. Every effort should be made to maintain and enhance all aspects of the system because a bright future for the country depends on expanding the minds and potential of its students," she said.

She added: "All countries have an obligation to foster the development of the sciences, mathematics and engineering by providing resources. These resources can be used to develop centres of excellence to harness the potential and creativity of young scientists and engineers who hold the future for innovations that will lead to the progress of the country, and its success in competing externally."