Texas State researcher honored with Presidential Early Career Award

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
Office of Media Relations
January 20, 2017

Oleg Komogortsev, an associate professor in the Department of Computer Science at Texas State University, has received the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers.

Komogortsev is among 102 scientists and researchers named by President Barak Obama as recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). He was nominated by the National Science Foundation for the award for his work in cybersecurity with the emphasis on eye movement-driven biometrics and health assessment.

“I congratulate these outstanding scientists and engineers on their impactful work,” President Obama said in a statement. “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.”

The PECASE highlights the key role that the administration places in encouraging and accelerating American innovation. The awards, established by President Bill Clinton in 1996, are coordinated by the Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive Office of the President. 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.

About Texas State University

Founded in 1899, Texas State University is among the largest universities in Texas with an enrollment of 38,849 students on campuses in San Marcos and Round Rock. Texas State’s 170,000-plus alumni are a powerful force in serving the economic workforce needs of Texas and throughout the world.  Designated an Emerging Research University by the State of Texas, Texas State is classified under “Doctoral Universities:  Higher Research Activity,” the second-highest designation for research institutions under the Carnegie classification system.