05.07.14

Durbin Announces Early Career Funding For Young Illinois Research Scientists

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that five young Illinois scientists – from Fermi National Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory and Northwestern University – were awarded significant funding for research as part of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Early Career Research Program. The scientists were recognized by the DOE for their exceptional work in advanced scientific computing research, high energy physics, and basic energy sciences. The grants will provide support to these researchers during the early years of their career, when many scientists do some of their most foundational work.

 

“Continuing to invest in scientific research and development is of paramount importance when it comes to the future of innovation in the United States. Supporting brilliant scientists early in their careers will help build a young, forward-thinking workforce, motivated to find the next break-through discovery,” Durbin said.

 

The following scientists have been selected to receive Early Career Research Program Funding:

 

  • Emil M. Constantinescu: Argonne National Laboratory, selected by the Office of Advanced Scientific Computing Research;
  • Anna Grassellino: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, selected by the Office of High Energy Physics;
  • James Hirschauer: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, selected by the Office of High Energy Physics;
  • Carl Eric Dahl: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, selected by Office of High Energy Physics;
  • Nathaniel P. Stern: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, selected by Office of Basic Energy Sciences.

Argonne National Laboratory is one of the U.S. Department of Energy's largest research centers. It is also the nation's first national laboratory which houses basic and applied scientific research across a wide spectrum of disciplines, ranging from high-energy physics to climatology and biotechnology. Argonne employs roughly 3,450 people, including scientists and engineers.

 

Fermilab is the nation’s premier high-energy physics laboratory that employs over 1,257 people including physicists, engineers and computer professionals. The laboratory leads U.S. research into the fundamental nature of matter and energy. Fermilab is a world-leading laboratory in the study of neutrinos and very rare processes using existing and upgraded facilities.

 

Northwestern University is one of the country’s leading private research universities. It has a long history of leadership in a variety of scientific fields including neuroscience, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and drug discovery.