Wisconsin Energy Institute investigator Daniel Amador-Noguez was recently awarded a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the federal government's highest honor for early-career scientists and engineers.

An associate professor of bacteriology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Amador-Noguez uses systems-level analyses – including metabolomics, computational modeling, and genetic engineering – to advance understanding of metabolism in microorganisms capable of producing biofuels.

Amador-Noguez was among nearly 400 scientists and engineers working for or funded by 14 government agencies based on nominations submitted between 2018 and 2022. The award was announced Jan. 14 by former President Joe Biden.

Amador-Noguez credits the U.S. Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health as well as UW–Madison, the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, and the Center for Bioenergy Innovation (CBI) for supporting his research.

“This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone in my lab whose contributions make our research possible,” Amador-Noguez said. “I look forward to continuing our efforts to advance our understanding of microbial metabolism and its applications in bioenergy, biotechnology, and human health.”

Based at UW–Madison, GLBRC is one of four federal bioenergy research centers, along with CBI, conducting basic research to support the development of cost-effective, low-carbon fuels and chemicals made from non-food plants.

Established by President Bill Clinton in 1996, PECASE recognizes scientists and engineers who show exceptional potential for leadership early in their research careers. The award recognizes innovative and far-reaching developments in science and technology, expands awareness of careers in science and engineering, recognizes the scientific missions of participating agencies, enhances connections between research and impacts on society, and highlights the importance of science and technology for our nation’s future.

This PECASE announcement is the first since 2019. Amador-Noguez is one of three recipients from UW–Madison, along with Mikhail Katz (electrical and computer engineering) and Mihaela Ifrim (mathematics).