“The outstanding research of these three young scientists speaks to the extraordinary quality of the faculty at Rutgers,” said President Robert L. Barchi. “They have shown exceptional potential for their scientific leadership and we are proud of their outstanding accomplishments.”
Fu, an associate professor of chemistry and a member of the Rutgers-Camden Center for Computational and Integrative Biology (CCIB), is researching the development of innovative approaches that mimic biological processes and imitate nature. He is working to design solutions to human challenges, ranging from diagnostics and drug delivery to the production of high-value chemicals and smart materials that can improve efficiency and save resources. One of the potential applications of his research is to develop smart biosensors for diagnosing and monitoring disease, detecting risk and deciding which therapies will work best for individual patients.
Jessica Ware, associate professor of biological sciences, Rutgers-Newark
Ware, an associate professor of biological sciences in the School of Arts and Sciences-Newark, is an entomologist who studies evolution. Her research focuses on the evolution of behavioral and physiological adaptations in insects. Ware was a member of an international team of more than 50 scientists working to unravel the secrets of the evolutionary history of insects. She has been recognized for distinguished leadership as director of the graduate program for mentoring students and advocating for LGBTQ visibility in STEM programs.
Zonouz, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering in the School of Engineering, is designing secure mechanisms for cyber-physical critical infrastructure that will protect power grids from cyber-attack. His research focuses on developing an integrated set of mathematically rigorous and real-world capabilities that can model, analyze and predict complex security incidents in a near-real-time manner. It would provide system administrators and power grid operators with online integrated cyber-physical monitoring and incident response capabilities by keeping track of cyber-sensitive infrastructures that are more prone to cyber-attack. It also would provide a proactive response to avoid future security incidents.
Saman Zonouz, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, Rutgers-New Brunswick
Established in 1996 by President Bill Clinton, the PECASE acknowledges the contributions scientists and engineers have made to the advancement of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and to community service as demonstrated by scientific leadership, public education, and community outreach. This year’s Rutgers recipients join four other research scientists recognized with the prestigious award.
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy coordinates the PECASE with participating departments and agencies.