UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Margarita López-Uribe, the Lorenzo L. Langstroth Early Career Professor of Entomology in the College of Agricultural Sciences, was awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers by President Biden earlier this month.
The award is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers early in their careers, according to a White House press release, and recognizes scientists and engineers who show exceptional potential for leadership. López-Uribe was nominated by the National Science Foundation.
Troy Ott, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences, said he was proud to see the recognition of López-Uribe and her work, which is centered around the health and evolutionary trajectories of bees.
“This prestigious recognition underscores the critical importance of pollinator research in supporting agricultural sustainability and ensuring both a resilient food supply and the protection of these essential components of complex, integrated ecological systems,” he said. “Her dedication and innovation continue to inspire our entire community. We are so excited to see the future impact her program will have and are so grateful that she is part of the team in the College of Agricultural Sciences.”
López-Uribe’s work is focused on understanding how environmental change and management affect population demography and health of both wild and managed bees, with the ultimate goal of developing strategies for conserving and restoring bee populations and the ecosystem services they provide.
“It is an incredible honor, and I am humbled and overjoyed to have received this award,” López-Uribe said. “This award is not just for me — it belongs to all who have inspired and supported me throughout my career: my family, mentors, lab team and the communities I serve.”
To learn more about López-Uribe and her research, visit her lab’s website.