Highlights Archive for July 2009
The Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) program began in February 1996. PECASE awards are the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers beginning their independent careers. The awards recognize some of the finest scientists and engineers who, while early in their research careers, show exceptional potential for leadership at the frontiers of scientific knowledge during the twenty-first century.
The White House, following recommendations from participating agencies, confers the awards annually. The U.S. Department of Education has participated in the PECASE program since 2006. The other participating agencies are: National Science Foundation , National Science and Technology Council, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services: National Institutes of Health, Department of Transportation, and Department of Veterans Affairs. The White House recently announced the FY 2009 Awardees (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/PRESIDENT-HONORS-OUTSTANDING-EARLY-CAREER-SCIENTISTS/).
The FY 2009 U. S. Department of Education recipients are two researchers supported by the Institute of Education Sciences, Dr. Katherine A. Rawson and Dr. Nonie K. Lesaux. Dr. Rawson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Kent State University. Her research focuses on improving the comprehension of text and on helping students self-regulate their learning. Dr. Lesaux is the Marie and Max Kargman Associate Professor of Human Development and Urban Education in the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Her research program focuses on the reading development and difficulties of children from linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Previous Department of Education recipients are Dr. Nicole McNeil of University of Notre Dame, Dr. Gregory Fabiano of the University at Buffalo, Dr. Laura Justice of The Ohio State University, and Dr. Carol Connor of Florida State University.
