President Obama Honors Dan McCloskey with Top Science Award

President Obama has named Professor Dan McCloskey (GC/Staten Island, Biology) a recipient of the nation's top award for science and engineering research.
 
The Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers is the U.S. government's highest honor given to researchers in science and engineering in the early stages of their research careers. The 105 winners were chosen for their innovative work and commitment to public education.
 
"These early-career scientists are leading the way in our efforts to confront and understand challenges from climate change to our health and wellness," said President Obama in a statement. "We congratulate these accomplished individuals and encourage them to continue to serve as an example of the incredible promise and ingenuity of the American people."

McCloskey studies the African naked mole-rat, a highly social animal, in order to understand which parts of the brain are involved in ordinary social behavior, and how these systems are implicated in diseases like epilepsy and autism. He runs the McCloskey Laboratory at the College of Staten Island.
 
"I am humbled to receive this recognition," McCloskey said. "It represents the hard work, creativity, and support from a team of students and colleagues who share my enthusiasm. I am also proud that our efforts have been considered 'promising' by the White House, as this confidence recognizes the progressive combination of resources and brain power at CSI to not only conduct cutting-edge research, but also to see it succeed."

The winners of the Presidential Award will be honored at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., this spring.
 
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