Madison Reporter

Three researchers from the University of Wisconsin–Madison have been awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). This accolade is recognized as the highest honor given by the U.S. government to scientists and engineers who are in the early stages of their careers.

The announcement was made by the White House, which revealed that nearly 400 researchers whose work is funded by various federal agencies were named as PECASE winners.

Among those honored are Mikhail Kats, Mihaela Ifrim, and Daniel Amador-Noguez. Mikhail Kats, from the department of electrical and computer engineering, focuses on experimental and theoretical research in optics, photonics, device physics, nanoscale science, and quantum technologies. Mihaela Ifrim works in mathematics with a focus on nonlinear dispersive equations, fluid mechanics, and harmonic analysis. Daniel Amador-Noguez operates within bacteriology at the Wisconsin Energy Institute, utilizing systems-level analyses such as metabolomics, computational modeling, and genetic engineering to enhance understanding of metabolism in microorganisms capable of producing biofuels.