Presidential Early Career Award for Sweigart

Assistant professor Andrea Sweigart is among 102 scientists announced as recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, or PECASE, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on scientists and engineers in the early stages of their research careers:

Established in 1996 by President Bill Clinton, awardees are selected for their pursuit of innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology and their commitment to community service as demonstrated through scientific leadership, public education or community outreach. The recipients receive the awards in person each spring at the White House.

Sweigart is an assistant professor in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences department of genetics.

"A world-leading evolutionary biologist who has fully integrated her research into her teaching, exposing our students to cutting edge science that addresses evolution and the generation of biodiversity, Andrea exemplifies the outstanding scholarship conducted at UGA," said Allen J. Moore, Distinguished Research Professor and head of the department of genetics. "She is a passionate supporter of diversity at all levels. This is a fabulous recognition of her leadership in 21st century science, and we are all proud to have her as a colleague."

Sweigart joined the UGA faculty in 2011 following postdoctoral positions at the University of Rochester and the University of Montana after completing her Ph.D. at Duke University. Sweigart's research program is focused on understanding how natural populations evolve into reproductively isolated species.

Fantastic honor for UGA and Dr. Sweigart, who received an NSF Early Career Ward in 2014. Young faculty members at the forefront of their disciplines is a hallmark of the great research institutions in the U.S., those special few who consistently attract the best faculty and students. Sweigart stakes another strong claim for UGA among these proud institutions and we are very honored by this recognition for her work.

Image: Sweigart in her greenhouse on campus, courtesy of UGA photo services.