Massachusetts Institute of Technology Associate Professor Pawan Sinha and Professor Parag Pathak have been named recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers. The award is the highest honor given the U.S. government to science and engineering professionals in the early stagers of their research careers.

The Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive Office of the President coordinates the awards, which were established by President Bill Clinton in 1996. Eleven federal departments and agencies joined together to nominate the most meritorious scientists and engineers this year. Awardees are selected for their pursuit of innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology and their commitment to community service as demonstrated through scientific leadership, public education or community outreach.

"Discoveries in science and technology not only strengthen our economy, they inspire us as a people," President Barack Obama said in a statement. "The impressive accomplishments of today's awardees so early in their careers promise even greater advances in the years ahead."

Pathak, who was nominated by the National Science Foundation, was honored for innovative and challenging research in market design, education, and housing and for work with local school administrators throughout the United States that has resulted in more fair and efficient ways to assign children to magnet schools.