image: Kent State University Professor Dr. Katherine Rawson receives the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers this Wednesday in Washington, D.C. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the US government on young professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. view more
Credit: Photo courtesy of Kent State University
Kent State University Professor Dr. Katherine Rawson travels to Washington, D.C., to receive the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers on Wednesday, Jan. 13. Rawson is an assistant professor in Kent State's Department of Psychology. She is one of 100 beginning researchers named by President Barack Obama to receive this prestigious award.
The Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on young professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. Rawson was nominated by the U.S. Department of Education to receive the award.
"These extraordinary gifted young scientists and engineers represent the best in our country," President Obama said when the winners were announced. "With their talent, creativity and dedication, I am confident that 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."
On Jan. 13, Rawson and the other award winners will receive a tour of the East Wing of the White House, participate in a 2 p.m. ceremony and reception held at the Department of Commerce building and return to the White House to meet and take pictures with the president.
"Dr. Rawson is a shining example of the excellence in action at Kent State," said Kent State President Lester A. Lefton. "Wednesday will be a great day for not only Dr. Rawson, but also for our Department of Psychology and the entire Kent State community. The recognition of her work helps bring attention to the university's wonderful research activities."
The awards, established by President Bill Clinton in February 1996, 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.
As part of winning this award, Rawson will receive up to a five-year research grant to further her study in support of critical government missions.
Rawson joined Kent State's faculty in the fall of 2004. Her grant-funded research, undertaken with colleague Dr. John Dunlosky, psychology professor and director of Experimental Training at Kent State, seeks to identify effective study strategies and study schedules for students to learn classroom material in a durable and efficient manner. She resides in Stow.
To watch a video of Rawson explaining her research, visit www.kent.edu/news/video/rawsonvideo.cfm.
Photo Caption: Kent State University Professor Dr. Katherine Rawson receives the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers this Wednesday in Washington, D.C. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on young professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers.