Syracuse University researcher receives Presidential Award for research in nanomaterials

Mathew Maye, a chemist in Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences, is one of 100 scientists named as recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on young professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers, according to an August 9 White House announcement. Recipients will receive their awards during a White House ceremony in the fall.

"These extraordinarily gifted young scientists and engineers represent the best in our country," President Obama said. "With their talent, creativity, and dedication, I am confident 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."

Maye, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry, is the first Syracuse University scientist to receive this prestigious award, which will support his research in synthesizing nanomaterials in ways that mimic natural processes found in the body. The nanomaterials are made of metals and are only a few billionths of a meter in size. The knowledge that is gained through the research will facilitate advances in a number of areas, including energy, healthcare and biosensors.

“We are extremely pleased that Mathew Maye has been selected for this prestigious award,” says College of Arts and Sciences Dean George Langford. “This is a great honor for Mat, one that recognizes his promise as an innovative scientist at an early stage in his career. The grant support that comes with this honor will allow his research on bio-inspired assembly of nanoscale materials to rapidly advance the field of renewable energy.”

Maye received a B.S. and Ph.D. from SUNY-Binghamton and was a Fellow of the Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island before joining the Department of Chemistry last year. He is recipient of a number of additional awards, including a department of defense graduate fellowship.

According to the White House announcement, the Presidential Early Career Awards embody the high priority the Administration places on producing outstanding scientists and engineers to advance the nation's goals and contribute to all sectors of the economy. Nine Federal departments and agencies join together annually to nominate the most meritorious young scientists and engineers.

The Presidential Early Career awards were established by President Clinton in 1996 and are coordinated by the Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive Office of the President. Awardees are selected on the basis of two criteria: Pursuit of innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology and a commitment to community service as demonstrated through scientific leadership, public education, or community outreach.