Mathew Maye, a chemist in Syracuse University's
College of Arts and Sciences, is one of
100 scientists named as recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists
and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on young
professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. Recipients will
receive their awards during a White House ceremony in the fall.
"These extraordinarily gifted young scientists and engineers represent the best in our
country," President Obama said in the White House announcement of the awards. "With
their talent, creativity and dedication, I am confident they will lead their fields in new
breakthroughs and discoveries and help us use science and technology to lift up our
nation and our world."
Maye, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry, is the first SU scientist to
receive this prestigious award, which will support his research in synthesizing
nanomaterials in ways that mimic natural processes found in the body. The nanomaterials
are made of metals and are only a few billionths of a meter in size. The knowledge that is
gained through the research will facilitate advances in a number of areas, including
energy, health care and biosensors.
"We are extremely pleased that Mathew Maye has been selected for this prestigious
award," says College of Arts and Sciences Dean George Langford. "This is a great honor
for Mat, one that recognizes his promise as an innovative scientist at an early stage in his
career. The grant support that comes with this honor will allow his research on bio-
inspired assembly of nanoscale materials to rapidly advance the field of renewable
energy."
Maye received a B.S. and Ph.D. from Binghamton University and was a fellow of the
Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island before joining
the Department of Chemistry last year. He is recipient of a number of additional awards,
including a Department of Defense graduate fellowship.
According to the White House announcement, the Presidential Early Career Awards
embody the high priority the administration places on producing outstanding scientists
and engineers to advance the nation's goals and contribute to all sectors of the economy.
Nine federal departments and agencies join together annually to nominate the most
meritorious young scientists and engineers.
The Presidential Early Career awards were established by President Clinton in 1996 and
are coordinated by the Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive
Office of the President. Awardees are selected on the basis of two criteria: pursuit of
innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology and a commitment to
community service as demonstrated through scientific leadership, public education or
community outreach.
