Three NIST Scientists Receive PECASE Honors

Three researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will receive the 2010 Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the White House announced on Monday, Sept. 26, 2011. PECASE is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers beginning their independent research careers. Winners receive up to a five-year research grant to further their study in support of critical government missions.

The scientists are recognized not only for their innovative research, but also their demonstrated commitment to community service.

• Chemical engineer Jeffrey Fagan received the honor for pioneering breakthroughs in the separation of single wall carbon nanotubes by key characteristics such as length, for measurements of their unique properties, and for leadership in translating these achievements into international standards.
• Physicist Kartik Srinivasan was awarded for developing measurement methods aimed at probing the nature of strong light-matter interactions in semiconductor optical cavities with unparalleled sensitivity and for developing processes to fabricate low-loss, on-chip, nanophotonic devices.
• Physicist Jacob Taylor was selected for his pioneering, world-class research on quantum fault tolerance and on the dynamic properties of quantum information devices; and for his commitment to providing educational and research experiences to graduate students.

For further information, see the Sept. 26, 2011, news announcement, “President Obama Honors Outstanding Early-Career Scientists” at www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/09/26/president-obama-honors-outstanding-early-career-scientists.