"PECASE recognizes scientists and engineers who show exceptional potential for leadership early in their research careers. The award recognizes innovative and far-reaching developments in science and technology, expands awareness of careers in science and engineering, recognizes the scientific missions of participating agencies, enhances connections between research and impacts on society, and highlights the importance of science and technology for our nation’s future" ("President Biden Honors Nearly 400 Federally Funded Early-Career Scientists").
Dr. Ann Debay of the NIST Material Measurement Laboratory has had remarkable successes in measuring the atomic makeup of advanced materials that are at the core of many of our Nation’s cutting-edge and established industries. Her research involves the novel use of electrons and ions to measure and understand atoms in solid substances. This is the key to predicting, designing, and controlling the physical properties that materials exhibit. She has focused on two primary areas: in situ measurement of material properties in the transmission electron microscope and precision measurement of atom species and locations by atom probe tomography.