The Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) represent the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers.
A Fellow of the NIST/University of Maryland Joint Quantum Institute, Gretchen Campbell was recognized for pioneering research in "atomtronics" that proved the feasibility of technological applications in this new field by demonstrating the first controllable atom circuit, and for mentoring young scientists through coursework, laboratory research, and sponsorship of a women-in-physics group.