A University of Oregon physicist is among the nearly 400 scientists and engineers awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the US government on outstanding scientists and engineers early in their careers.
Tien-Tien Yu, an associate professor in the Department of Physics and a member of the Institute for Fundamental Science, is recognized for her research on dark matter—the makeup of which, though it comprises about 85% of the known matter in the universe, remains a mystery. The sun and planets are composed of baryonic matter, made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. The mass of baryonic matter can be calculated using cosmological measurements. Dark matter is found between these objects, influencing gravity, but does not emit, absorb, or reflect light.
Shedding Light on Dark Matter
Physicists like Yu are searching for answers between the stars. Her theoretical research in dark matter led to the creation of a novel experiment that broadened the scope of dark matter searches and has the potential to further clarify our understanding of the universe. Yu also co-developed a visual scientific communication program aimed toward making science projects accessible to the public (see sidebar).
“I am honored to receive the PECASE for my work as it highlights both the critical role of fundamental science and the importance of making such research accessible,” Yu said. “Curiosity-driven research, such as uncovering the nature of dark matter, lays the groundwork for discoveries and breakthroughs that shape our world. I am excited to see where this research leads and how it can inspire future generations.”
Established by President Clinton in 1996, PECASE recognizes scientists and engineers who show exceptional potential for leadership early in their research careers. The award recognizes innovative and far-reaching developments in science and technology, expands awareness of careers in science and engineering, recognizes the scientific missions of participating agencies, enhances connections between research and impacts on society, and highlights the importance of science and technology for our nation’s future.
“This award celebrates Professor Yu’s groundbreaking research into the substance of dark matter and how it affects our universe. It is also a recognition of the importance of publicly funded, basic science that expands human understanding of the universe beyond Earth, the only planet we know of that is home to intelligent life,” said Anshuman “AR” Razdan, vice president for research and innovation.
In addition to this honor, Yu won a National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award in 2020 and a New Horizons Prize in Physics in 2021 from the Breakthrough Prize Foundation for her research in the detection dark matter via the Sub-Electron-Noise Skipper-CCD Experimental Instrument (SENSEI) experiment.
Yu also serves on the Particle Physics Project Prioritization Panel convened by NSF and the US Department of Energy, which provides long-range planning guidance for federal funding of physics research and experimentation. Priorities include investments in advanced electronics and instrumentation, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and quantum information science.
As the knowledge of the nature of dark matter expands, so too could our understanding of the laws of physics. Humans have ever dreamed of space adventure—transformative discoveries made by scientists like Yu propel our species ever closer to exploring the universe beyond our pale blue dot.
— By Kelley Christensen, Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation