Dr. Jie Yin, an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at North Carolina State University, has been named a recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on early-career scientists and engineers. President Joe Biden announced the nearly 400 recipients of the 2024 awards during a ceremony recognizing their groundbreaking contributions to science and technology.
Established in 1996 by President Bill Clinton, PECASE highlights the achievements of exceptional scientists and engineers who demonstrate innovative and far-reaching potential in their research. The award not only honors individual contributions but also emphasizes the critical role of science and technology in addressing national and global challenges.
The recognition of Yin among the nation’s top early-career scientists underscores NC State’s commitment to fostering research excellence. The MAE department, known for its contributions to engineering innovation, is proud to support researchers like Yin, whose work pushes the boundaries of knowledge and delivers tangible benefits to society.
The PECASE recipients’ contributions exemplify the intersection of innovation and societal impact, this marks a significant milestone in Yin’s career and further cements NC State’s reputation as a leader in engineering research and education. Yin is the second faculty member from MAE to win a PECASE award, joining Associate Professor Hsiao-Ying Shadow Huang as a member of this elite group of researchers .
Currently, Yin’s Research focuses on mechanics and design of mechanical metamaterials, mechanics guided design of soft robotics, and multifunctional interfacial materials. He studies reconfigurable kirigami-based architected materials for achieving unprecedented properties and functionalities. He also studies the mechanics guided design of high-performance soft robotics in both manipulation and locomotion for achieving high force, high speed and high strength. Another topic is shape-morphing materials and structures for sustainable energy and environments. All of these topics are investigated through combining theoretical modeling, numerical simulation, and experimental techniques.
PECASE recipients are selected by 14 federal agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Energy, and Transportation, NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The award recognizes efforts to expand the scientific missions of these agencies, promote societal awareness of science and technology careers, and ensure a brighter future through cutting-edge research.
For a full list of the 2024 PECASE recipients, visit the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.