The Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) is the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government to outstanding scientists and engineers who are beginning their independent research careers and who show exceptional promise for leadership in science and technology.
Established in 1996, the PECASE acknowledges the contributions scientists and engineers have made to the advancement of science, technology, education, and mathematics (STEM) education and to community service as demonstrated through scientific leadership, public education, and community outreach.
Jeffrey Shainline is recognized for pioneering a new type of neuromorphic computer that closely mimics the human brain, both in the number of interconnections between “neurons” and in its low operating power requirements.
Creating a practical neuromorphic computer faces two major challenges: the energy consumed by each “neuron” must be low, and the number of interconnections between neurons must be high. Shainline’s system makes impressive strides on both fronts. His innovative photonic networks and ultralow power superconducting circuits provide a practical approach to the development of large-scale neuromorphic computersb with neuron counts on the order of a human brain. Dr. Shainline’s service to the community is also exemplary. He has served the Advancement Via Individual Determination program, tutoring kids at an economically disadvantaged school in math and science, and won the Beyer Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Service from Brown University for service to high school students.