President Barack Obama announced Thursday that 100 federal researchers, including six NASA researchers, are recipients of the 2016 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.
PECEAE recipients are scientists and engineers working in the initial stages of their research careers. They’re tapped for the award, the highest honor given by the U.S. government to such workers, due to their demonstrated willingness to aid the public through community outreach, education, and professional leadership.
“These early-career scientists are leading the way in our efforts to confront and understand challenges from climate change to our health and wellness,” President Obama said of the 100 recipients. “We congratulate these accomplished individuals and encourage them to continue to serve as an example of the incredible promise and ingenuity of the American people.”
The six NASA researchers were nominated for the award by NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, and its Offices of the Chief Engineer and Chief Technologies.
“These early-career scientists and engineers represent some of the best and brightest talent in our agency and our university partners,” NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said in a statement from the agency. “We are delighted to see them win this prestigious award, as their contributions will benefit our nation and advance the scientific frontiers.”
The NASA researchers receiving the award are:
Dr. James Benardini, planetary protection, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena; Dr. Jin-Woo Han, nanodevices and nanoelectronics, NASA’s Ames Research Center; Dr. Michele Manuel, self-healing metals, University of Florida; Dr. Vikram Shyam, technical innovation in fundamental aeronautics, NASA’s Glenn Research Center; Dr. Colleen Mouw, oceanography and public health, Michigan Technological University; and Dr. Andrew Molthan, cloud microphysics, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.
A full list of the 2016 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers recipients can be viewed here.
Filed Under: Infrastructure