President Obama this week honored more than 100 leading scientists and engineers from across the nation, including a faculty member in the University of Georgia College of Engineering.

Joachim Walther, an associate professor, is among the latest recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). PECASE is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. Walther and other PECASE recipients spent two days in Washington, D.C., meeting with Administration leaders and sharing the insights of their work.

Walther was recognized for building research capacity in engineering education by defining quality in qualitative research methods, and for leading communities of practice in this research, germane to and commonly used in broadening participation efforts.

During his visit with the awardees, President Obama congratulated them on their achievements and urged them to continue to lead the way in driving discovery and innovation.