UNC researcher Thomas L. Kash, Ph.D., has won the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.
The award is the highest honor given by the United States government to science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers.
Kash is an assistant professor in the pharmacology department and the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies at the UNC School of Medicine.
The award recognizes the promise he has demonstrated as a scientist and his research program on the effects of alcohol on neural circuits in the brain.
The winners receive research grants of up to five years to further studies that support critical government missions. This year, President Obama named 94 researchers as recipients of the award.
“It is inspiring to see the innovative work being done by these scientists and engineers as they ramp up their careers — careers that I know will be not only personally rewarding but also invaluable to the Nation,” President Obama said. “That so many of them are also devoting time to mentoring and other forms of community service speaks volumes about their potential for leadership, not only as scientists but as model citizens.”
The President will present winners with their awards at a White House ceremony in October.
Awardees are selected for their pursuit of innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology and their commitment to community service as demonstrated through scientific leadership, public education or community outreach.