Professor Joan Walker Receives PECASE Award at White House Ceremony

Professor Joan Walker was awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) at a ceremony at the White House on December 19. She is one of approximately 20 National Science Foundation's Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) awardees who received an additional distinction as PECASE winners.

The PECASE program recognizes outstanding scientists and engineers who, early in their careers, show exceptional potential for leadership at the frontiers of knowledge. This Presidential award is the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government on scientists and engineers beginning their independent careers.

Professor Walker was recognized for her research on behavioral models of transport and land use and how they are used to inform planning and policy making and forecast future scenarios. Her research also includes an important educational module which uses the domain of attitudes and behavior as the focus of hands-on group research activities conducted by graduate, undergraduate, and secondary school students. The education program will contribute to the development of students excited about scientific exploration and with skills in the scientific method, thereby increasing their probability of careers in science and engineering.

See White House News Release, Dec. 2008.

Congratulations, Professor Walker, on receiving this prestigious award!