Four Pasadena Scientists Win Presidential Award
By Kyle Khandikian
Published: Tuesday, July 21st, 2009
The Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) is awarded each year to 100 researchers for their pursuit of innovative research in the fields of science and technology and a dedication to community service through scientific leadership, public education, or community outreach. This year, four local scientists, three from the California Institute of Technology and one form NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory have been honored with that award.
John Dabiri, Assistant Professor of Aeronautics and Bioengineering, Beverley McKeon, Assistant Professor of Aeronautics, and Joel Tropp, Assistant Professor of Applied and Computational Mathematics, all from Caltech’s Division of Engineering and Applied Science, as well as JPL’s Josh Willis were presented PECASE, the highest honor presented by the U.S. government to scientists and engineers. The winners were announced last week by President Obama.
In a White House press release, President Obama said,”These extraordinarily gifted young scientists and engineers represent the best in our country.”
“With their talent, creativity, and dedication, I am confident that they will lead their fields in new breakthroughs and discoveries and help us use science and technology to lift up our nation and our world.”
The award also comes with funding: a $200,000 grant per year for up to five years to finance further research and development in the fields these young scientists work in, all in support of “critical government missions.”
Dabiri works in developing efficiency, stealth, and maneuverability for underwater vehicles. McKeon researches turbulent boundary layers, which has made advances for the maneuverability of air craft. Tropp researches developing algorithms for solving inverse problems. JPL’s own Willis studies global warming and its affect on sea levels using satellite technology.
The PECASE award was created under the Clinton Administration in 1996 by the National Science and Technology Council.
By Kyle Khandikian
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