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EPA Scientists Receive Presidential Honor

Release Date: 07/23/2012
Contact Information: Latisha Petteway (News Media Only), [email protected], 202-564-3191, 202-564-4355

WASHINGTON –Today two U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) scientists were named as recipients of the 2011 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). This award, which is being given to EPA’s Dr. Mehdi Hazari and Mr. Adam Eisele, is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. The purpose of the award is to encourage the development of science leaders and highlight the importance of science and technology.

Dr. Hazari was nominated for demonstrating how inhalation of low levels of air pollutants like particulate matter and ozone could increase susceptibility to cardiac events, such as heart attacks. His research is receiving international recognition and is under consideration for inclusion in the update of worldwide standards.

Mr. Eisele developed and used automated air sampling instrumentation in a project that was the first to identify and characterize local sources of air pollution in high altitude areas (5,000 to 10,000 feet above mean sea level). His research is being used to identify community health risks due to air pollution, and to develop a mobile measurement approach that allows for remote emission assessment of oil and gas production sources.

Dr. Glenn Paulson, EPA’s Science Advisor, sent his congratulations to Dr. Hazari and Mr. Eisele for receiving this prestigious award, “EPA scientists continue to be leaders in the environmental and public health research arenas.” Paulson said, “This year’s winners are not only conducting groundbreaking research, but they are also engaging their communities and inspiring the next generation to become scientists and researchers.”

In addition to their innovative research, which is advancing EPA's mission to protect the environment and
public health, both Dr. Hazari and Mr. Eisele have also demonstrated strong commitments to community
service through their leadership in various mentoring, teaching, and community outreach activities. They will be presented the award with other recipients at a ceremony to be held shortly in Washington, D.C.

Today, President Obama named 96 researchers across the Federal Government as PECASE recipients. The PECASE awards embody the Obama Administration’s commitment to producing outstanding scientists and engineers by granting recipients a five-year research grant to further their study in support of critical government missions.