Research scientists studying improvements in tornado forecasting and new radar systems at the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman Michael C. Coniglio and Pamela L. Heinselman, were named as recipients of the 2008 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.

The award is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on outstanding scientists and engineers in the early stages of their careers. An award ceremony is planned in Washington, D.C., in the fall.

"It is quite remarkable to have two researchers from NSSL win this prestigious award in one year," said James Kimpel, National Severe Storms Laboratory director. "It speaks well for the future of our lab to have these outstanding young people on board."

Working in the NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed, Coniglio is a key player in collaborations to evaluate experimental numerical weather models and bring that cutting edge research to forecasters, ultimately improving forecasts. This spring he helped set up the Operations Center and joined scientists in the field for VORTEX2, the largest and most ambitious field experiment in history to explore tornadoes.

Heinselman has led the National Weather Radar Testbed Phased Array Radar Demonstration project for several years. Her research focuses on the use of radar data to improve tornado warning lead times. She has served as a mentor to numerous undergraduate and graduate meteorology students, encouraging the next generation of scientists.

"In honoring these scientists early in their careers, we recognize both their achievements to date and the promise of their continued contributions to the nation," said Jane Lubchenco, under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. "NOAA takes great pride in these individuals and in its entire complement of stellar science."

NSSL scientist David Stensrud and former NSSL researcher Erik Rasmussen are past recipients of the honor.

Watch the video: http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/news/video/pecase/