Baird Professor of Scence Dudley R. Herschbach and Rotch Professor of Pediatrics Mary Ellen Avery received National Medals of Science from President Bush at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. earlier this month.

Avery and Herschbach were among 38 scientists nationwide to receive the prestigious honor, which is awarded based on researchers' overall contributions to science.

In an interview yesterday, Herschbach, who has won a Nobel Prize in chemistry, termed his field of study "Garden of Eden problems"--situations in nature that fascinate and tempt him because of their seeming incomprehensibility. His most recent project was finding a way to study molecular chemistry "one collision at a time."

Although Herschbach said that he and his research team appreciate President Bush's recognition, he said that the "tremendous pleasure of understanding" and the experience of teaching constitute his ultimate reward.

Herschbach, who served with his wife, Registrar Georgene B. Herschbach, as master of Currier House from 1981 until 1986, credited much of his success to the patience of nature. "Atoms and molecules are immortal things," he said.

Herschbach said that nature "gives the real awards," because nature allows him the time to study the problems of chemistry.

Avery could not be reached for comment yesterday.