Case's Fab Four

Any school would be proud to see one of its faculty members honored with a Presidential Early Career award, which recognizes exceptional research skill and promise. In January, President Joe Biden bestowed the award upon four Case researchers — Christine Duval, A. Bolu Ajiboye, Burcu Gurkan and Steve Majerus — sending ripples of pride across Case Quad.

“Having four faculty members named concurrently as recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers is an extraordinary honor,” said Dean Venkataramanan “Ragu” Balakrishnan.

The so-called PECASE award is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers early in their careers. The four case researchers are among 400 scientists and engineers honored nationwide after being nominated by research partners like NASA and the National Science Foundation.

Meet Case’s Fab Four:

Christine Duval

An associate professor of chemical and bimolecular engineering, Duval applies her skills to improving healthcare and the environment. For example, she is seeking cleaner methods of securing critical rare earth elements used in wind turbines, electric cars, and smart phones.

“The PECASE award is easily the highest scientific honor of my career,” she said in a statement. “But what’s even more rewarding is the opportunity to work alongside our incredible team of students, postdoctoral researchers, and collaborators to bring these ideas to life.”

A. Bolu Ajiboye

The Robert and Brenda Aiken Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Ajiboye is also a scientist at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. His advancements in neuroengineering and rehabilitation technologies are helping to restore sensation and function for people with paralyzed limbs. The television news magazine 60 Minutes featured his work in 2023.

“I am thankful to have had the opportunity to work with and be mentored by the best people throughout my career,” Ajiboye said.

Burcu Gurkan

A professor of chemical and bimolecular engineering, Gurkan leads a research team trying to solve some of society’s biggest challenges — including climate change. The U.S. Department of Energy is backing her efforts to filter carbon dioxide from the air with new techniques.

“I feel humbled to receive this recognition and want to thank my research team, colleagues, mentors, CWRU, and NASA for their support,” she said.

Steve Majerus ’08, MS ’08, PhD ’14

An assistant professor of electrical, computer and systems engineering, Majerus is also a research scientist at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. He develops implantable sensors for neuromodulation applications like blood pressure control or restoring bladder function.

“We should be inspired and re-energized by this recognition to continue to develop real-time sensor technologies for medical treatments, and importantly, to bring these technologies out of the lab and to the people who need them,” he said.