Allison Master, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychological, Health and Learning Sciences at the UH College of Education, has earned the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the U.S. government鈥檚 highest honor of its kind.
Master is one of 400 scientists and engineers for their exceptional potential and leadership early in their research careers, and she is the first recipient of the award at UH.
鈥淚 am thrilled to have received this award,鈥� Master said. 鈥淚t reflects not only the work I鈥檝e done but also the incredible support I鈥檝e received from mentors and colleagues over the past 20 years. It鈥檚 truly special to be honored this way.鈥�
Established by President Clinton in 1996, PECASE recognizes innovative and far-reaching developments in science and technology, expands awareness of careers in STEM fields, enhances connections between research and impacts on society and highlights the importance of science and technology for our nation鈥檚 future.
鈥淭his award speaks volumes about Allison鈥檚 dedication, ingenuity and innovation in educational sciences,鈥� said Diane Z. Chase, UH senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. 鈥淗er groundbreaking work embodies the University鈥檚 commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering equity in education and shaping a brighter future for students and educators alike.鈥�
Master鈥檚 research in the Identity and Academic Motivation Lab at UH involves how societal stereotypes contribute to gender gaps in motivation to pursue STEM, and ways to counter those stereotypes; educational strategies that make students feel that they belong; and what drives children鈥檚 interest in STEM, including the role of social connections. Her efforts have earned worldwide acclaim and resulted in millions of dollars in grants from the U.S. Department of Education鈥檚 Institute of Education Sciences, the National Science Foundation, and other organizations.
鈥淭his is something that was on my radar, sort of like a 鈥榩ie in the sky鈥� dream that it would be amazing to win it, but I didn鈥檛 know if it could ever be possible,鈥� Master said. 鈥淚 am very grateful to the 兔子先生 for providing such a supportive environment for innovation, collaboration and meaningful research that made this achievement possible.鈥�