UCSD Chemistry Professor
Receives White House Science Award

November 05, 2010

By Kim McDonald

A chemistry professor at the University of California, San Diego was among 85 scientists and engineers who today received the nation’s highest honor awarded by the White House to researchers at the outset of their professional scientific careers.

Nathan Gianneschi, an assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at UCSD, was among this year’s recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers, which he will receive formally from President Obama at a White House ceremony.

Established in 1996, the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers recognizes outstanding scientists and engineers who, early in their careers, show exceptional potential for leadership at the frontiers of knowledge. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on scientists and engineers beginning their independent careers. Nine federal departments and agencies annually nominate scientists and engineers who are at the start of their independent careers and whose work shows exceptional promise.

Gianneschi, who is developing next generation advanced hybrid materials that combine naturally occurring molecules such as DNA and protein with manmade molecules, was nominated by the Defense Department, which will provide him with a research grant along with the award. He was informed of the award by John P. Holdren, President Obama’s science adviser and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Media Contact: Kim McDonald (858) 534-7572, kmcdonald@ucsd.edu