CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Robert W. Ghrist, a professor of mathematics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, is among 57 young researchers named today as recipients of the 2002 Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the government on young professionals at the outset of their independent research careers. Ghrist will receive his award today (May 4) in a White House ceremony.
"These extraordinarily gifted young scientists and engineers represent the best in our country," said President Clinton, when he established the awards in February 1996. "Through their talent, ability, and dedication, they will quicken the pace of discovery and put science and technology to work advancing the human condition as never before."
The young scientists and engineers receive a five-year research grant to further their study in support of critical government missions. Ghrist will use his award to carry out a research program involving the development of global geometric and topological tools for solving problems in application domains as diverse as fluid mechanics, pattern formation and robot motion planning.
Ghrist received his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 1991 from the University of Toledo, his master's in 1994 and his doctorate in 1995, both in applied mathematics, from Cornell University. He joined the Illinois faculty in 2002.
