The Asian American Academy of Science and Engineering (AAASE) is delighted to announce the recipients of its inaugural prestigious awards, recognizing groundbreaking contributions to science, engineering, and leadership.
Steven Chu, Nobel laureate and former U.S. Secretary of Energy, has been awarded the Inaugural Chien-Shiung Wu Lifetime Achievement Medal. This prestigious honor, accompanied by a $20,000 prize, recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to science and engineering, leaving a profound and lasting impact on both the scientific community and humanity. Dr. Chu’s pioneering work in laser cooling and trapping of atoms earned him the 1997 Nobel Prize in Physics, and his leadership in energy research has been globally influential. The Chien-Shiung Wu Medal is named in honor of the legendary physicist Chien-Shiung Wu, whose groundbreaking work reshaped the field of nuclear physics. Wu was honored with a U.S. postage stamp in 2021, commemorating her immense contributions to science and society.
Gang Chen, the Carl Richard Soderberg Professor of Power Engineering at MIT, has been selected to receive the Inaugural Steven Chu Gold Medal. This award, accompanied by a $10,000 prize, honors individuals who have achieved significant and impactful accomplishments in science, engineering, and societal leadership. Professor Chen’s pioneering work in thermal energy and nanoscale heat transfer has shaped the future of energy technology, with his leadership recognized by his election to both the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Sciences.
In addition, AAASE is pleased to announce Dr. Jun Chen and Dr. Haotian Wang as the recipients of the Inaugural Rising Star Awards. The Rising Star Award, which includes a $5,000 prize, is presented to early-career individuals (within 10 years of earning their doctoral degrees) who have made outstanding contributions and shown exceptional promise in science and engineering.
Dr. Jun Chen, Associate Professor of Bioengineering at UCLA, is recognized for his revolutionary work in bioelectronics and materials innovation. His discovery of the giant magnetoelastic effect in soft materials has transformed the field of wearable bioelectronics and energy harvesting. His contributions to personalized healthcare have earned him international acclaim, including being named a Highly Cited Researcher and receiving numerous prestigious awards.
Dr. Haotian Wang, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at Rice University, is honored for his pioneering research in electrocatalysis and carbon dioxide utilization. His work on CO2 electrolysis and the design of next-generation electrolyzers has significant implications for decarbonization and sustainable chemical production. With over 37,000 citations, Dr. Wang has been recognized as a Sloan Fellow, Packard Fellow, and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree.
All four honorees will be formally recognized at the AAASE Annual Summit from November 15-17, 2024, at the Beckman Center of National Academies in Irvine, California. Please join us in congratulating Steven Chu, Gang Chen, Jun Chen, and Haotian Wang for their remarkable achievements and leadership in advancing science and engineering for the betterment of society!
