The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is celebrating the success of
three distinguished researchers who are recipients of the
Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers
(PECASE). This award is the highest recognition granted by the
United States government to scientists and engineers in the
early stages of their research careers. The 2010 USGS recipients
are: Jeanne Hardebeck, research geophysicist, for her assessment
of the nature and strength of earthquake-generating forces and
of earthquake prediction tools; Nicolas Luco, research
structural engineer, who studies seismic risk and structural
responses to ground motion; and Pamela Nagler, research physical
scientist, for her studies of plant water use and water
preservation in America's arid western states. Each year, ten
federal departments and agencies join together to nominate
outstanding scientists and engineers whose discoveries and
advancements expand the horizons of science and technology,
contribute to their agencies’ missions, and bene