Two faculty named as PECASE recipients

Two College of Engineering faculty members--Ioannis Chasiotis and Lynford L. Goddard--are among 100 young researchers named as recipients of 2008 Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on young professionals at the outset of their independent research careers.

"These extraordinarily gifted young scientists and engineers represent the best in our country," President Barack Obama said in announcing the awards. "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."
 

An associate professor of aerospace engineering, Chasiotis' research interests include experimental mechanics at the nanoscale; mechanical reliability, fracture, and fatigue of micro-electromechanical systems; deformation and damage mechanics of polymer nanocomposites and soft nanophase materials; and applications of scanning probe microscopy in mechanics and biology. Chasiotis is affiliated with the Beckman Institute, the Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, and the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering.
 

Goddard’s research focuses on fabrication, characterization, and modeling of lasers, photonic integrated circuits, and photonics-based sensors and instrumentation. Applications of the work include trace gas detection, chip scale optical spectrum analyzers, and optical logic and memory. His group also works on developing new processing techniques and testing of novel semiconductor materials. In addition to his faculty appointment as an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Goddard is also affiliated with the Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory.
 
The young scientists and engineers receive up to a five-year research grant to further their study in support of critical government missions. The federal agencies involved include the departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Energy, Health and Human Services, Veterans Affairs, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the National Science Foundation. The recipients will receive their awards in the fall at a White House ceremony.
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Writer: James E. Kloeppel, physical sciences editor, Illinois News Bureau, 217/244-1073. For more news, visit the Illinois News Bureau.

If you have any questions about the College of Engineering, or other story ideas, contact Rick Kubetz, Engineering Communications Office, 217/244-7716, editor.