Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

AWARDS

2024 PECASE - Stephen Eckel

Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE)

The Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (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.

Established in 1996, the PECASE acknowledges the contributions scientists and engineers have made to the advancement of science, technology, education, and mathematics (STEM) education and to community service as demonstrated through scientific leadership, public education, and community outreach.

Winner's Name

Stephen Eckel

Awarded

January 14, 2025

Awarding Organization

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

Stephen Eckel is recognized for his pioneering work in applying cold-atom physics to solve real-world measurement problems, investigating the enabling physics, and leading the development of the first deployable, practical cold-atom-based device with applications outside the laboratories of academia.

Researchers have long imagined applications of cold atoms but realizing such devices has remained a challenge. Stephen has investigated the enabling physics and led the development of the first deployable, practical cold-atom-based device with applications outside the laboratories of academia. With record precision, this device senses the extreme levels of vacuum needed in advanced manufacturing, quantum computers, and particle accelerators. Furthermore, it the first standard of any kind for such pressures in the world. The next step is to extend the technology Stephen has developed to navigation and gravimetry to create hacker-immune navigation systems and gravity sensors to remotely map underground features.

Physics