Release date: November 1, 2007
PNNL scientist honored with "early career" award
Julia Laskin
(Original high-resolution image.)
RICHLAND, Wash. – A physical chemist at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has been recognized with a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers - the highest honor given by the U.S. government to scientists and engineers who are beginning their careers.
Julia Laskin was honored for her leadership in the field of gas-phase ion chemistry and mass spectrometry of large complex molecules that is critical for development of new analytical techniques for improved chemical characterization of synthetic and natural polymers, petroleum, biofuels and other complex samples in biology, environmental science, drug discovery and counter-terrorism. Her internationally recognized research in fundamental reaction kinetics and ion surface reactions provides a basis for understanding the mass spectrometry of high molecular weight compounds and preparation of novel biomaterials.
"These awards reflect our belief that the representatives of the new generation of scientists and engineers honored today are meeting demanding scientific and technical challenges with superior leadership, knowledge and insight," Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman said. "I'm pleased to recognize the extraordinary scientific and technical achievements represented by the awardees' contributions."
Interim Laboratory Director Mike Kluse said he is pleased that for the second year in a row, a PNNL staff member is being honored with this award. "The PECASE awards recognize young scientists at the frontiers of their disciplines," he said. "Julia is a leader whose research contributes to vital DOE missions through significant advancements in biological and environmental science, medical research and counter terrorism."
Laskin is a senior research scientist in the Chemical & Materials Sciences Division of PNNL's Fundamental and Computational Sciences Directorate. She earned a master's degree in physics from the Physico-Mechanical Division of the Leningrad Polytechnical Institute in Russia in 1990, and a doctorate in physical chemistry from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel in 1998. She started at PNNL as a postdoctoral research associate in 2000 and has been a research scientist with the Laboratory since 2003.
Each Presidential award winner received a citation, a plaque and a commitment for continued funding of their work from their agency for five years. Laskin is one of four DOE national laboratory staff members receiving the PECASE award this year.