Research scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) were among 100 beginning researchers honored by President Barack Obama with the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) earlier this summer.

The award is the highest honor given by the United States government to outstanding scientists and engineers in the early stages of their careers. An award ceremony will be held at the White House this fall.

Research meteorologist Michael C. Coniglio, a research scientist, and adjunct OU professor Pamela Heinselman received the award for their contributions to research improving tornado forecasting and radar systems.

Coniglio and Heinselman were both involved in VORTEX2, the largest in-field tornado experiment in history that took place during the spring across the Central United States. Coniglio helped set up the VORTEX2 Operations Center and collected data with other scientists on the ground. Heinselman was in charge of coordinating radar data collections with the mobile radars on the ground.

“It is amazing to have two researchers from NSSL win [the award],” said David J. Stensrud, Chief of the Forecast Research and Development center at the NSSL and 1996 PECASE recipient. “I think this award really emphasizes how important our work is to the nation.”

The award not only recognizes significant achievements but both recipients said grant money is associated, and together NOAA and the NSSL will provide $20,000 for each scientist to further their research over the next five years.

“I can use the money for my research, and that’s a big deal,” Heinselman said. “I didn’t have to write an National Science Foundation grant for this, and I get to go to the White House ceremony.”

Coniglio plays a major role at NOAA’s Hazardous Weather Testbed, assessing numerical weather models for forecasters in order to improve forecasts.

“This award means a great deal to me,” Coniglio said. “I could say that this is somewhere I’ve wanted to work since I was very young, and the people I work with now have received similar awards.”

Heinselman’s research centers on the use of Phased Array Radar technology to improve tornado warning lead times. She also serves as an adjunct faculty appointment in the OU School of Meteorology, advising and co-advising undergraduate and graduate students.

“I’m very excited and honored to receive this award,” said Heinselman. “When you look at others who receive it, you feel you’re amongst some of the most successful people in the nation.”

Though Coniglio and Heinselman said they are looking forward to their continued research, both scientists recognize their responsibility to help students become future meteorologists.

“I’ve been fascinated with severe weather ever since I was young,” Coniglio said. “Students just need to stay passionate and excited about the opportunities available.”