Professor Suzie Pun Receives PECASE Award
Dr. Suzie Pun was honored at the White House on July 26, 2006 for her selection as one of 56 recipients of “the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on scientists and engineers beginning independent careers,” the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). The award provides up to five years’ research funding.
Suzie was one of 6 engineers nominated by NSF for this award. NSF awardees are chosen from 350 to 400 faculty beginning their independent careers whose work shows exceptional promise for leadership at the frontiers of scientific knowledge. The NSF press release described Suzie’s work thus:
Suzie H. Pun of the University of Washington is involved in developing a new technology to allow efficient delivery of genetic material to the nuclei of non-dividing cells. The results of her research can have a widespread and significant impact on genetic engineering by enabling direct treatment of diseased cells and tissues. Her integrated research and education plans include summer science camps for eighth- and ninth-grade students and a job-shadowing program. These activities are expected to have a positive impact on middle-school students from underrepresented groups.
At the NSF ceremony, Suzie thanked our chair, Dr. Yongmin Kim, for “providing a nurturing, collaborative, and supportive environment for young investigators.” She also thanked faculty colleagues for their mentorship and friendship, as well as “the outstanding postdocs and students with whom I have the privilege to work.”
Dr. Suzie Pun at the NSF PECASE ceremony, flanked by Dr. Arden Bement, NSF director (right) and Dr. John Marburger III, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and science advisor to President Bush.