PHOTOS: President Obama gives award to Nigerian scholar

– Deji Akinwande, a Nigerian professor in the USA, received America’s highest research award

– Akinwande was awarded by President Barack Obama on May 5 at the White House, where the 105 researchers were hosted

– Obama congratulated the awardees on their achievements and urged them to continue to lead the way in driving discovery and innovation 

Deji Akinwande was awarded for his “outstanding research accomplishments in nanomaterials, graphene device physics, and opto-electronics.” Nigerian professor Deji Akinwande received a 2016 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the US government’s highest honor for scientists and engineers engaged in the early stages of research. Akinwande was awarded by President Barack Obama on May 5 at the White House, where the 105 researchers were hosted.

The latest recipients of PECASE spent two days in Washington, D.C., where they met with administration leaders and shared the insights of their work.

During his visit with these awardees, President Obama congratulated them on their achievements and urged them to continue to lead the way in driving discovery and innovation. He also noted that the recipients, all of whom are either employed or funded by the federal government, underscored the importance of our Nation’s investments in research and development. 

– Nigerian Scholar Akinwande was awarded for his “outstanding research accomplishments in nanomaterials, graphene device physics, and opto-electronics, and for dedication to the education of future scientists and Annoucing the winners earlier in the year, President Obama said:

“These early-career scientists are leading the way in our efforts to confront and understand challenges from climate change to our health and wellness.

“We congratulate these accomplished individuals and encourage them to continue to serve as an example of the incredible promise and ingenuity of the American people.”