Three University of Connecticut researchers were honored by former President Joe Biden on Jan. 14, receiving some of the nation’s highest honors for scientists, according to the National Science Foundation (NSF).
During one of his final weeks in office, Biden honored several members of the science and research community with national recognition and awards. Among these were three UConn faculty members. Arash Zaghi, a civil engineering professor, and Jill Wegrzyn, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) for their respective research. Dr. Linda Barry of UConn’s School of Medicine also received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM).
The NSF describes the PECASE as one of the most prestigious awards a scientist or engineer can achieve in their early career. The PAESMEM is similarly an award for mentors in science, technology, engineering and math, who help facilitate research and progress in these fields.
Zaghi earned the PECASE award for his research on neurodiverse students in engineering, and how their differences can be immense strengths in the field.
“We need to celebrate [neurodiversity],” Zaghi said Wednesday. “We need those types of crazy risk takers in engineering.”
Through systematic research and data, Zaghi sought to prove these strengths to pave the way for inclusivity of neurodiversity in engineering. He said earning the PECASE has allowed him to do just that.
“I don’t think of it as an honor or recognition or an award. I think of it as a platform… something that brings us visibility,” Zaghi said.
In future research, Zaghi intends to find out how artificial intelligence can be used by neurodiverse students to personalize their school experience and excel.
Wegrzyn earned the PECASE for her work in computational biology, using computer programs to help better understand organisms’ genetics. She created Efficient, Accurate, Scalable Eukaryotic modeLs (EASEL) software, as well as the CartograPlant database.
“This software uses a combination of machine learning approaches in order to identify [useful] genes,” Wegrzyn said Wednesday.
The programs can be applied in several ways, especially in finding genes that can help species of conservation concern, she explained.
The PECASE, Wegrzyn said, “rewards how basic research is being applied in different ways, and how that’s actually helping benefit the world.” She said this award brings her hope for the future of science research.
“I think it’s really amazing that [research] was recognized as something that’s important,” Wegrzyn said.
Barry’s award was also an incredible honor for the university, according to a UConn Today interview with UConn President Radenka Maric. Barry is an associate professor of surgery at the UConn School of Medicine and has been involved in mentorship for several years. As director of the Connecticut Institute for Clinical and Translational Science Mentorship Program, as well as the Visiting Externship for Students Underrepresented in Medicine, Barry’s work has paid off in more ways than one. According to UConn Today, not only has she helped plenty of aspiring students in medicine, but she is one of only 25 mentors throughout the country to be selected for the PAESMEM.