An IU School of Public Health-Bloomington alumnus is among the recipients of a prestigious national honor for early-career scientists.

Dr. Blair Johnson has received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). It’s the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government to outstanding scientists and engineers who are beginning their independent research careers and who show exceptional promise for leadership in science and technology, according to the White House.

Awardees were honored July 25 at an event at the Daughters of the American Revolution building in Washington, D.C.

“I was completely shocked to receive this awesome news. It is personally a great honor to receive this award and it reflects the great work that we have been doing in the Center for Research and Education in Special Environments (CRESE) over the years,” said Johnson, an assistant professor of exercise and nutrition sciences in the University at Buffalo (UB) School of Public Health and Health Professions.

Johnson received his Ph.D. in exercise physiology from the Department of Kinesiology at the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington in 2011.

His current research is focused on understanding the effects of water immersion on autonomic activity, ventilatory control, and cerebral vascular function. He is also studying the pathophysiology associated with a concussion and developing novel strategies to reduce concussion symptoms and improve recovery time.

“Blair is an exceptional scientist who is making important contributions to our understanding of breathing control,” said Dave Hostler, chair of the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at UB. “PECASE is the ultimate early-career award as this elite group is considered to be the best of the best. Simply being nominated was an honor. Winning the award shows the confidence of the selection committee on his upward career trajectory.”

Established in 1996, the PECASE acknowledges the contributions scientists and engineers have made to the advancement of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and to community service as demonstrated through scientific leadership, public education, and community outreach.