Two MSI PIs have been named 2020 Fellows by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Professor Paul Dauenhauer (Chemical Engineering and Materials Science (CEMS)) and Professor Damien Fair (Institute of Child Development (ICD); Pediatrics; co-director, Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain) have received the so-called “genius grants” in recognition of their “extraordinary originality and dedication in their creative pursuits and a marked capacity for self-direction” (from the MacArthur Foundation website). The award provides a $625,000 stipend that can be used for any purpose.
Professor Dauenhauer uses MSI resources to perform calculations related to the catalytic conversion of sugars and other biomass-derived compounds. Professor Fair uses MSI to analyze various types of MRI data used to study the mechanisms and principles that underlie the developing brain.
Stories about these awards can be found on the University of Minnesota News website, the CEMS website, and the ICD website. The complete list of 2020 MacArthur Fellows can be found on the MacArthur Foundation website.