Earlier this week, President Obama named 102 scientists and researchers as recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers.

“I congratulate these outstanding scientists and engineers on their impactful work,” President Obama said. “These innovators are working to help keep the United States on the cutting edge, showing that Federal investments in science lead to advancements that expand our knowledge of the world around us and contribute to our economy.”

The Presidential Early Career Awards highlight the key role that the Administration places in encouraging and accelerating American innovation to grow our economy and tackle our greatest challenges.

This year’s recipients include six Department of Commerce scientists or researchers.  They include:

National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST)

Nicholas Butch, NIST Center for Neutron Research 
John Teufel, NIST Physical Measurement Laboratory
Justin Zook, NIST Material Measurement Laboratory

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 

Mandy Karnauskas, NOAA Fisheries 
Anne Perring, University of Colorado, Boulder 
Corey Potvin, University of Oklahoma 

The awards, established by President Clinton in 1996, are coordinated by the Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive Office of the President. Awardees are selected for their pursuit of innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology and their commitment to community service as demonstrated through scientific leadership, public education, or community outreach. 

For more on PECASE: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/09/president-obama-honors-federally-funded-early-career-scientists