Bioengineer wins Presidential Award

A Clemson University researcher's pioneering work in tissue implants for breast reconstruction has earned her a 2001 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). Karen Burg, an assistant professor in bioengineering, received the award at a White House ceremony in Washington, D.C.

The PECASE award is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers who are in the early stages of establishing their independent research careers. Approximately 60 researchers will receive the award this year. The National Science Foundation funded research of one-third of the recipients, including Burg.

Although still in the early stages, Burg's work holds the promise of being able to implant a "patch" grown from the donor's own tissue into sunken areas left after biopsy or breast cancer surgery. Tissue engineering eliminates the need for immunosuppression and minimizes the time required to acquire replacement tissue.
"The bioengineering department at Clemson is the recognized pioneering institution for biomaterials research, and I am very excited to be a part of its continued excellence. The campus-wide sharing of equipment, knowledge and facilities has allowed us to compete at the highest level," said Burg.

She received her B.S. in chemical engineering from N.C. State University, and earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in bioengineering at Clemson, which boasts one of the nation's best bioengineering programs. She completed postdoctoral work in tissue engineering at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C.

"We are thrilled that Dr. Burg is being recognized for her high level of scholarly achievement," said Tom Keinath, dean of the College of Engineering and Science. "Our pride runs particularly deep since she is not only a Clemson professor, but a Clemson graduate as well." Burg is the third Clemson professor to have won a prestigious PECASE award within the past four years.