WASHINGTON -- Two researchers from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) -- Sterling C. Johnson, Ph.D. and Dr. William S. Yancy Jr. -- were among 60 scientists from 11 federal agencies honored recently with the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers.
The annual awards, established in 1996 by the National Science and Technology Council, recognize top young scientists and engineers for their “innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology” and for their scientific leadership and community outreach.
“The work of Doctors Johnson and Yancy are examples of VA’s world-class health care,” said Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Gordon H. Mansfield. “It’s important to note the work of these two researchers benefits, not just veterans, but all Americans.”
Johnson is a clinical psychologist and neuroscience researcher at the WilliamS.MiddletonMemorialVeteransHospital in Madison, Wis., and an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
He uses brain imaging and neuropsychological measurement to study disorders that affect memory and self-awareness. One of his current VA-funded studies involves combat veterans with traumatic brain injury.
Yancy is a physician at the Durham VA Medical Center in North Carolina, an investigator at that site’s Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, and an assistant professor at DukeUniversityMedicalCenter.
He studies the effects of diet and exercise on obesity and its complications. A study by his group made headlines in 2004 when it showed that people on a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet lost more weight over six months than people on a low-fat, low-cholesterol, low-calorie diet. The study was the first randomized, controlled trial of an Atkins-style approach to eating.
As part of their awards, Johnson and Yancy will each receive $125,000 over five years from VA’s Office of Research and Development in support of their research.
