Four faculty members from Penn State University joined assistant professors from Carnegie-Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh on the list of 100 outstanding researchers. Each will receive a federal grant to continue their investigations for up to five years.
The PSU awardees include Sean Hallgren and Adam D. Smith, both assistant professors in computer science and engineering; Michael A. Hickner, assistant professor of material science and engineering, and Susan E. Parks, assistant professor of acoustics and research associate at the University’s Applied Research Laboratory. Carnegie-Mellon’s Carlos Guestrin is an assistant professor of machine learning and computer science, while Gonzalo Torres is an assistant professor of neurobiology at Pitt’s School of Medicine.
Penn States Hickner says that although the amount of the federal grants vary from case to case, his award will amount to about $500,000 over five years. “That translates to $100,000 per year. It pays for equipment, travel, graduate stipends, and general lab funds,” he says.
In announcing the awardees, who will attend a White House ceremony this fall, 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.”
Source: Michael Hickner
Writer: Chris O’Toole
