ATLANTA—Georgia State University Associate Professor Cynthia Puranik is one of 105 researchers across the country named as recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their research careers.
Puranik, who was at the University of Pittsburgh when she was nominated, focuses her research on understanding early writing development, including assessment and instruction of early writing skills. She explores basic theoretical and highly applied research pathways to address questions pertaining to children’s emergent and early conventional writing, and her research has been published in several journals, including Early Childhood Research Quarterly, the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, the Journal of Learning Disabilities, the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, and Reading & Writing.
“This award recognizes Dr. Puranik’s work at the forefront of research focused on improving children’s written language skills,” said Paul Alberto, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “Her scholarship adds to our college’s breadth and reputation in this field. All of her colleagues join in congratulating Cynthia on this award.”
The awards, established by President Clinton in 1996, are coordinated by the Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive Office of the President. Awardees are selected for their pursuit of innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology and their commitment to community service as demonstrated through scientific leadership, public education or community outreach.