President Donald J. Trump has announced the newest recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). The PECASE is the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government to outstanding scientists and engineers who are beginning their independent research careers and who show exceptional promise for leadership in science and technology. The awardees are nominated by one of nine agencies in the U.S. government.
Tom Maimone, Associate Professor of Chemistry was nominated for the award by the National Science Foundation. Maimone's lab is currently looking at natural product total synthesis, synthetic organic methodology development, and catalyst design.
Wenjun Zhang, Associate Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and the Charles Wilke Professor in Chemical Engineering was nominated for the award by the Department of Health and Human Services. Zhang's lab is currently conducting research in bioactive natural product discovery, biosynthesis, and biology for applications related to human health.
The PECASE Awards are intended to 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 award was originally commissioned in 1996 by former President Bill Clinton. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy coordinates the PECASE with participating departments and agencies.