Kao-Kniffin receives White House early career award

Kao-Kniffin with former graduate student Kevin Panke-Buisse PhD '16.
Kao-Kniffin with former graduate student Kevin Panke-Buisse PhD ’16.

From Cornell Chronicle article [2019-07-05]:

Jenny Kao-Kniffin, associate professor in the Horticulture Section, is one four Cornell faculty members recognized by the White House with prestigious 2019 Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). The awards were announced July 2.

The award is the highest honor bestowed by the federal government to scientific and engineering professionals who are in first stages of their independent research careers and who show exceptional promise for leadership.

Established 23 years ago during President Bill Clinton’s administration, the awards acknowledge the advancement of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education; and community service, as demonstrated by scientific leadership, public education and outreach. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy coordinates the PECASE with participating federal departments and agencies.

Kao-Kniffin’s award was through the U.S. Department of Agriculture for her work in soil microbial ecology. Her research focuses on the bacteria and fungi found in the root zone of soils, known as the rhizosphere, and how they impact ecosystem nutrient cycling and the growth of plants. Many of these underground interactions can be isolated to better understand their potential for agriculture and land management, she said.

Read the whole article.

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