Two Turkish scientists receive top US award

WASHINGTON (AA) - President Barack Obama has awarded two Turkish scientists with the highest U.S. honor for science and engineering professionals.

Obama bestowed the award on Nurcin Celik, of the University of Miami, and Sinan Keten, of Northwestern University on Monday.

“I congratulate these outstanding scientists and engineers on their impactful work,” President Obama said in a statement marking the awards announcement for 102 scientists and researchers. “These innovators are working to help keep the United States on the cutting edge, showing that Federal investments in science lead to advancements that expand our knowledge of the world around us and contribute to our economy.”

Recipients are selected based on their "innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology," the White House said.

Celik's research interests include dynamic data driven multi-scale adaptive simulations, modeling and control of complex systems, distributed federation of multi-paradigm simulations, modeling and control in emerging applications (distributed power networks; solid waste management and recycling systems).

She graduated from Istanbul's Bogazici University in 2006 before receiving her Master's degree in systems and industrial engineering at the University of Arizona two years later, and completing her PhD in 2010 at the same university.

Keten's focus lies in nanostructured polymeric materials and biomolecular and bioinspired materials.

He also graduated from Bogazici University before receiving his Master's in Engineering and PhD from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The award was originally established by former President Bill Clinton in 1996.