Sarah Powell, associate professor in the Department of Special Education, has received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the United States government to outstanding scientists and engineers who are beginning their independent research careers and who show exceptional promise for leadership in science and technology.
Nominated by the Department of Education, Powell is one of just 11 recipients from Texas and one of five from The University of Texas at Austin.
Says College of Education Dean Charles Martinez, “We could not be more thrilled that Dr. Powell’s important work has been recognized with this prestigious national award. The PECASE award is special because it speaks to her exceptional promise for national leadership in the advancement of science and mathematics education. Dr. Powell’s work goes beyond describing why and how young students experience difficulties learning math to developing and implementing interventions that create lasting improvements in learning outcomes by harnessing students’ strengths. Our college is committed to engaging in transformative research that ensures the thriving of children, families, schools, and communities. Dr. Powell embodies this commitment.”
“Dr. Powell is an outstanding scholar in the areas of mathematics instruction and learning disability,” says Mark O’Reilly, chair of the Department of Special Education. I am so pleased that her science has received this highly regarded and well-deserved accolade. Her outstanding contributions to teaching, leadership, and scholarship are prime examples of what makes The University of Texas at Austin a university of the first class.”
Established in 1996, the PECASE acknowledges the contributions scientists and engineers have made to the advancement of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and to community service as demonstrated by scientific leadership, public education, and community outreach.
