Fabiano Wins Presidential Award as Top Up-and-Coming Researcher

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- University at Buffalo researcher Gregory A. Fabiano has been chosen by the White House to receive a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the nation's highest honor for professionals at the early stages of their independent scientific research careers.

Fabiano, a faculty member in UB's Graduate School of Education and an investigator with UB's Center for Children and Families, is among 67 scientists recognized as the most promising American researchers in their fields. He specializes in research with children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.

Fabiano was honored for his work enhancing the educational and behavioral outcomes of students with ADHD in special education settings. His most recent research project uses a driving simulator to improve driving habits among teenagers with ADHD, as well as build better relationships within their families. He was one of two scientists nominated by the Department of Education for Early Career Awards.

"This award is humbling and a real honor," says Fabiano, 32, assistant professor of counseling, school and educational psychology, who lives with his wife and two children in Tonawanda.

"I view it as an award shared with everyone I collaborate with at the Center for Children and Families and in the Graduate School of Education. The work we do related to interventions for children with ADHD cannot be done without a really hard-working, cooperative team."

Fabiano also thanked "teachers, parents, and children who participate in our research studies, who help us learn about best practices for interventions and give us new ideas for research projects."

The Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers, established in 1996, honored Fabiano "for outstanding research on interventions designed to improve academic and behavioral outcomes with children with hyperactivity disorders; and innovative training for participating families and community service to support children with behavioral problems, their families and teachers."

Nine federal departments and agencies annually nominate scientists and engineers who are at the start of their independent careers and whose work shows exceptional promise for leadership at the frontiers of scientific knowledge. Participating agencies award these talented scientists and engineers with up to five years of funding to further their research in support of critical government missions.

Fabiano and the other recognized researchers received their awards at a Dec. 19 White House ceremony presided over by Dr. John H. Marburger III, Science Advisor to the President and director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The winners briefly met President Bush after the ceremony.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB's more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.