NIH Recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE)

The Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, established by President Clinton in 1996, is the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. Recipients are selected for their pursuit of innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology and for their commitment to community service as demonstrated through scientific leadership, public education, or community outreach.

The awards embody the high priority placed by the government on maintaining the leadership position of the United States in science by producing outstanding scientists and engineers who will broadly advance science and the missions important to the participating agencies. The awards support the continued development of the awardees, foster innovative and far-reaching developments in science and technology, increase awareness of careers in science and engineering, give recognition to the scientific missions of participating agencies, enhance connections between fundamental research and national goals, and highlight the importance of science and technology for the nation's future.

To be eligible for a Presidential Award, an individual must be a U.S. citizen, national or permanent resident. After receiving recommendations from participating federal agencies, the White House will confer the awards each year. Selection criteria and processes are dependent upon the agency.

The participating agencies are:

Public Announcements

• President Obama Honors Extraordinary Early-Career Scientists (February 18, 2016)

2013 Recipients

Dr. Hillel Adesnik (University of California, Berkeley) 1DP2NS087725-01
For studies on cortical function and neurological disorders.

Dr. Samantha Brugmann (Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center) 1R01DE023804-01
For studies on the developmental processes essential to craniofacial development.

Dr. Namandje Bumpus (Johns Hopkins University) 1R01GM103853-01
For studies to investigate the mechanisms underlying the hepatotoxicity of antiretroviral drugs.

Dr. Kafui Dzirasa (Duke University) 1R01MH099192-01
For studies of large scale neural network interactions that may shed light on the pathophysiology of affective disorders.

Dr. Camilla Forsberg (University of California, Santa Cruz) 1R01DK100917-01
For studies to understand the mechanisms that regulate stem cell fate decisions.

Dr. Tina Goldstein (University of Pittsburgh) 1R01MH100056-01A
For studies to develop and test therapies for adolescents with bipolar disorder to target mood symptoms and suicidality.

Dr. Viviana Gradinaru (California Institute of Technology) 1DP2NS087949-01
For studies on the architecture of neuron-communication in the brain.

Dr. Jordan J. Green (Johns Hopkins University) 1R01EB016721-01
For studies to develop nanoparticles for delivery of therapeutic DNA to brain cancer cells.

Dr. Katie Kindt (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders) 1ZIADC000085-01
For studies on disorders in mechanosensation, such as hearing, balance, and touch.

Dr. Andre Larochelle (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute) 1ZIAHL006172-01
For studies on regenerative therapies for inherited blood disorders.

Dr. Jennifer Lorvick (Research Triangle Institute International) 1R01MD007679-01 
For studies to understand how criminal justice involvement contributes to health disparities among illicit drug using African American women.

Dr. Courtney Miller (The Scripps Research Institute) 1R01DA034116-01A1
For studies on the prevention of substance abuse relapse triggered by drug-associated memory.

Dr. Kiran Musunuru (Harvard University) 1R01HL118744-01
For studies to understand the genetics of cardiovascular disease.

Dr. David J. Pagliarini (University of Wisconsin- Madison) 1R01DK098672-01
For studies to examine the mitochondrial proteome during the development of obesity and diabetes.

Dr. Sachin Patel (Vanderbilt University) 1R01MH100096-01
For studies on the treatment of anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders.

Dr. Amy Ralston (Michigan State University) 1R01GM104009-01A1
For studies to reveal insight into mammalian early development and stem cell establishment.

Dr. Ervin Sejdic (University of Pittsburgh) 1R01HD074819-01
For studies to address a significant problem in those suffering from stroke, namely Dysphagia (or swallowing impairment).

Dr. Elizabeth Skidmore (University of Pittsburgh) 1R01HD074693-01A1
For studies to examine the influences of cognitive and affective impairments on neurorehabilitation outcomes.

Dr. Kay Maxine Tye (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) 1DP2DK102256-01
For studies to develop and apply methods to decipher and manipulate the neural circuitry underlying compulsive sugar intake to ameliorate behaviors leading to obesity.

Dr. Muhammad Walji (The University of Texas Health Science Center Houston) 1R01DE022628-01A1
For studies to improve the usability of electronic health records to mitigate critical use errors that may harm patients.