Dabo receives presidential early career award
Ismaila Dabo has received a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers early in their careers.
Energy sustainability is a pressing global challenge that requires materials that are capable of efficiently converting and storing energy. Using quantum mechanical models and machine learning methods has accelerated the discovery of materials that can be formulated before they are synthesized for use in technology applications.
Ismaila Dabo is developing predictive computational capabilities to identify materials for use in efficient energy systems with a focus on hydrogen generation and utilization. His research efforts have been recognized by former President Biden with a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers early in their careers. Established by President Clinton in 1996, PECASE acknowledges scientists and engineers who show exceptional potential for leadership early in their research careers.
Materials modeling is instrumental in making strides toward reliable energy access on the African continent and across the world.
Ismaila Dabo, Professor, Materials Science and Engineering
“Receiving this award is an immense honor, for which I thank my supportive family, mentors, and colleagues. Materials modeling is instrumental in making strides toward reliable energy access on the African continent and across the world,” said Dabo, a professor of materials science.
Dabo joined the Department of Materials Science and Engineering faculty in fall 2024, spending the last semester teaching at Carnegie Mellon University Africa, and now will spend a semester in Pittsburgh, while also maintaining close contact with program partners in Kigali. The connection of his research to both locations stands to make an immense impact on capacity building and inspire future generations of engineers to pursue work in this discipline.
“Developing sustainable energy is a challenge, particularly in Africa where supply is an issue,” said Dabo. “By creating models to expedite the implementation of new materials, we aim to improve access, reduce carbon emissions, and improve mineral extraction processes.”
In addition to the PECASE award, Dabo has garnered numerous recognitions for his teaching and research, including the Wilson Teaching Excellence Award, Montgomery-Mitchell Teaching Innovation Award, Corning Chair in Materials Science and Engineering, and a National Science Foundation CAREER Award.