ABQ Times

The White House has announced that two faculty members from the University of New Mexico (UNM) have been awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). This award is recognized as the highest honor given to early-career scientists and engineers. The recipients, Professor Vanessa Svihla and Associate Professor Matthew Lakin, were nominated by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

PECASE honors those who show exceptional leadership potential early in their research careers. It acknowledges innovative developments in science and technology, increases awareness of scientific careers, highlights the missions of participating agencies, enhances research's societal impacts, and underscores the importance of science and technology for the nation's future. Each individual can receive only one PECASE award during their career.

The NSF selects its PECASE nominees from among its top CAREER Award recipients. Nominees must demonstrate innovative research, community service, and a commitment to equity, diversity, accessibility, or inclusion in STEM fields.

Professor Vanessa Svihla holds positions in both the Organization, Information and Learning Sciences Department and the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at UNM. She received an NSF CAREER Award in 2018 for her work on "Framing Agency in Making and Engineering." Her research focuses on helping students take ownership of their learning by designing instructional tools that encourage problem framing rather than simply solving problems with single correct answers. Her work has shown that engineering students who feel responsible for framing problems develop more confidence and a stronger commitment to pursuing engineering careers.

Svihla also developed the Wrong Theory Protocol, which encourages designers to frame problems quickly before generating ideas that are initially harmful or humiliating to stakeholders before arriving at beneficial solutions. This protocol fosters creativity and empathy among designers. "For me, the PECASE award adds affirmation that focusing on problem framing...are valuable," Svihla stated.

Associate Professor Matthew Lakin works in UNM's Department of Computer Science with an appointment in Chemical and Biological Engineering. He was recognized with an NSF CAREER award in 2021 for his research on "Robust Heterochiral Molecular Computing in Mammalian Cells." His bioengineering work aims to enhance DNA-based molecular devices' utility by using mirror-image DNA known as L-DNA alongside traditional D-DNA to create hybrid devices resilient against cellular defenses.

Lakin’s contributions include strengthening biotechnology education through collaboration with ¡Explora!, a local science museum offering summer camps supported by his CAREER award since 2022. These camps provide Albuquerque high school students practical laboratory experience.

“It's a tremendous honor...and a total surprise,” Lakin expressed upon receiving his award.