Juan Pablo Vielma is a 2017 recipient of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers in the early stages of their independent research careers, in recognition of “their pursuit of innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology and their commitment to community service.” Vielma was nominated by the National Science Foundation for this award, which has been coordinated annually since 1996 by the Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive Office of the President.
The award was announced in January last year by the White House and conferred by then-President Obama, who praised the “impactful work” of award recipients. “These innovators are working to help keep the United States on the cutting edge, showing that federal investments in science lead to advancements that expand our knowledge of the world around us and contribute to our economy,” Obama said.