The Women in Defense Greater Frederick Chapter's Reach for the Stars hosted a dinner at Dutch's Daughter in Frederick, Md. May 6 by honoring Col. Janet Harris, director of Clinical and Rehabilitative Medicine Research Program.

Harris won an award for the Military category.

Col. Jeffrey Davis, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command chief of staff said "Colonel Harris is most deserving of the award because her distinguished accomplishments are far reaching. She has touched many and left an indelible mark for all to admire through her dedicated leadership and experiences in military and volunteer teaching, professionalism, mentoring, and hard work, making her truly a "STAR" herself. She has encouraged others to "Reach for the Stars" and pursue careers in Science and Technology in both the military as well as in other Federal service. Her efforts and distinctive accomplishments reflect great credit upon herself, the Greater Frederick Community, the United States Army and the Department of Defense."

While at Fort Detrick, Harris has been a strong supporter of the Department of Defense Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation Scholarship for Service Program, which supports both undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, and Engineering and Mathematics disciplines. The program aims to increase the number of civilian scientists and engineers working at 000 laboratories as well as other Federal agencies. She is currently serving as a mentor to a SMART program graduate student scholarship recipient from Pennsylvania State University, who upon graduation, she will become a member of the 000 Civilian scientific work force.

Harris said, "I feel honored and surprised to be recognized for what I think is a privilege to work with youth and young adults."