UCLA scientists honored with Presidential Early Career Awards

Two UCLA scientists are recipients of the 2019  Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers for their “exceptional promise for leadership in science and technology.”The PECASE is the federal government ’s highest honor recognizing scientists for their contributions to science, technology, engineering and mathematics education. It also recognizes community service as demonstrated by scientific leadership, public education and community outreach.The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy coordinates the awards with participating departments and agencies. The awards ceremony is July 25 in Washington, D.C.Among the more than 300 recipients nationwide, the two scientists from UCLA are:Dr. Shafali JesteJeste is a pediatric neurologist and an associate professor of psychiatry, neurology and pediatrics in the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Her research is focused on developing more precise methods for early prediction and diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders, including  autism, using biomarkers and other genetic information, with the ultimate goal of improving the timing and targets of treatments for these conditions.She has designed studies to aid in the early prediction of autism, including autism related to the genetic disorders tuberous sclerosis complex and  Dup15q syndrome. Her work in tuberous sclerosis complex led to the first randomized controlled clinical trial of behavioral intervention in infants who are likely to dev...
Source: UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences - Category: Universities & Medical Training Source Type: news