President Barack Obama recently recognized two UUP members with the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). The award is the highest honor bestowed by the federal government to researchers in the early stages of their careers.

Honored were Elizabeth Boon, an assistant professor of chemistry at SUNY Stony Brook, and Scott Craver, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Binghamton University. Winning researchers receive a grant of $200,000 per year for up to five years to further their study in support of critical government missions.

PECASE winners are selected for their pursuit of innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology, and for their commitment to community service.

“UUP has always been proud of the work undertaken by its members,” UUP President Phillip Smith said. “Now the rest of the nation knows about SUNY’s outstanding young researchers.”

Boon’s research focuses on bacterial biofilms—communities of bacteria that live on surfaces and are difficult to kill. Her research would allow scientists to better manipulate the bacterial biofilms to protect everything from cargo ships to severe wounds.

“When I learned I was to be awarded the PECASE I felt extremely surprised and honored,” Boon said. “Although our work is still in its early stages, my research group and I have worked very hard, so national recognition of the potential of our discoveries is thrilling and gratifying.”

Craver’s research focuses on a unified theory of counter-deception in information security applications, including the ability to detect those trying to destroy watermarks.

“I have been interested in cryptology for as long as I can remember,” Craver told The Voice, noting that a former professor introduced him to a digital watermarking system—and he found a flaw. “Most of my research since then has focused, in one way or another, on breaking multimedia security systems.”

Craver is “honored and relieved” to have received the presidential award.

“The funding comes at just the right time to secure support for existing and future students,” Craver said. “I am also up for tenure this year, and I suspect that this award will help.”

— Karen L. Mattison