WASHINGTON, D.C. - Pamela J. VandeVord, associate professor of biomedical engineering at Wayne State University, was among 85 researchers today named by President Obama as recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers.

VandeVord's nomination came from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and recognizes her research expertise in blast-related neurotrauma, including her investigation of blast-induced neurotrauma in U.S. troops. In addition to her research, VandeVord is an active member of the Society for Biomaterials, Biomedical Engineering Society and Society of Women Engineers and is a health scientist at the John D. Dingell Veterans Affairs Medical Center. She has been on the Wayne State faculty since 2002 after receiving her Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from Wayne State University.

The Presidential Award embodies the high priority the Obama Administration places on producing outstanding scientists and engineers to advance the nation's goals, tackle grand challenges and contribute to the American economy. Ten federal departments and agencies join together annually to nominate the most meritorious scientists and engineers whose early accomplishments show the greatest promise for assuring America's preeminence in science and engineering and contributing to the awarding agencies' missions.

The awards, established by President Clinton in 1996, are coordinated by the Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive Office of the President. 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. Winning scientists and engineers have received research grants for up to five years to further their studies in support of critical government missions.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research university offering more than 400 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 32,000 students.

The College of Engineering, with more than 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students, offers a wide range of fully accredited engineering disciplines. Its well-respected graduates represent a large force in Michigan industry and the engineering field.