Joe DeSimone is Tuesday’s Hometown Hero.

Recently, DeSimone was one of 17 recipients of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, which was given to him by President Barack Obama.  He was recognized for his work with cancer research and 3D-printing.

DeSimone is part of a joint program, where he is a professor of chemistry at UNC and chemical engineering at NC State.

You can nominate your own Hometown Hero.  WCHL has honored local members of our community everyday since 2002.