Kate Starbird, a professor in the University of Washington's Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering, has received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers from US President Biden.

This prestigious award, also known as PECASE, is the highest honor given by the United States government to scientists and engineers who demonstrate exceptional potential for leadership early in their research careers.

Professor Starbird's work focuses on how information spreads during crisis events, as well as the dynamics of misinformation and disinformation online. Her research has examined online communication during natural and man-made disasters, elections, and other breaking news events. Together with her collaborators, she develops new models for conducting rapid research to address unfolding rumors in real time.

Starbird is also a founding faculty member of the UW Center for an Informed Public. This interdisciplinary group of students, faculty, research scientists, and post-doctoral researchers works to translate research on misinformation and disinformation into policy recommendations, technology design, curriculum development, and public engagement.

HCDE Professor and Department Chair Dr. Julie Kientz commended Starbird on the honor, saying:

“This award not only recognizes Kate for her outstanding contributions to the field, but is also a testament to her impact on the next generation of engineers, researchers, and designers. In addition to being among the first researchers to identify patterns of misinformation and disinformation online, Kate has led countless HCDE and UW students to address complex social and technological challenges with creativity and empathy. Her work and leadership embody the values of HCDE, and we are so proud to celebrate this achievement with her.”
– Julie Kientz, HCDE Professor & Chair

Starbird becomes the second HCDE faculty to be recognized with a PECASE, joining Professor Cecilia Aragon who received the honor in 2008 when she was a scientist with Lawrence Berkeley Labs.

Established by President Clinton in 1996, the PECASE 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.
For more information about PECASE and its recipients, visit the official statement from the White House here.