According to the White House, the PECASE awards embody the high priority the Obama Administration places on producing outstanding scientists and engineers to advance the nation’s goals, tackle grand challenges and contribute to the American economy. 

“My interests and accomplishments are shaped by the ethos of my family, friends and all of those who have supported and encouraged me,” said Cola, who is the director of the NanoEngineered Systems and Transport Lab (NEST). “I am thrilled to have an opportunity to represent them on this national stage.  I feel honored to be considered in this group and to be able to share our discoveries of new ways to improve the conversion of waste heat to electricity with a wider audience. “

Awardees are selected for their pursuit of innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology and their commitment to community service as demonstrated through scientific leadership, public education or community outreach.

According to the White House, Cola was selected for his outstanding research on energy conversion, nanoscale transport and materials; and for significant outreach and educational activities involving K-12 science and art students and teachers from disadvantaged minority communities.

Cola believes that with jobs and energy arguably at the center of public discourse right now that his research on nanoengineered energy technologies is highly relevant, thus the possibilities are very exciting.

“The challenges and opportunities of nanoscience and nanoengineering have attracted many great minds to these fields, which makes interactions with students and colleagues within the community very rewarding personally,” said Cola.  “Most of all, I have found that the mix of energy and nanoengineering has opened wide the door to a multifaceted life as a teacher-researcher-entrepreneur, which is exactly where I want to be right now. “     

Meghan Duffy, assistant professor in the School of Biology, at Georgia Tech also received a PECASE award. The White House also noted that Duffy was selected for her research on rapid evolutionary educational opportunities for college students in underrepresented minority groups and inner-city K-12 students in Atlanta.