Reza Olfati-Saber, assistant professor of engineering, has received the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers beginning their independent careers: The Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE).

Professor Olfati-Saber was nominated by the National Science Foundation (NSF), which funds his work and honored him in 2008 with an award from its Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program. The NSF nominated Olfati-Saber for both his innovative research and his community service through scientific leadership and education. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy then made the final selection and announcement of the approximately 100 awardees.

“It’s very surprising,” says Olfati-Saber, “I was not expecting this at all because I know how selective the award process is and I’m delighted and honored to have been chosen.”