Diego Bohorquez, PhD, associate professor in the Division of Gastroenterology, has received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers from President Joe Biden, the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on outstanding early-career scientists and engineers.
Dr. Bohorquez is a gut-brain neuroscientist who focuses on how the brain perceives what the gut feels, how food in the intestine is sensed by the body, and how a sensory signal from a nutrient is transformed into an electrical signal that alters behavior.
Dr. Bohorquez said he is honored to receive the award on behalf of his research team.
"It recognizes the dedication of our research team, which is united by the vision 'to heal the brain from the gut'. We have uncovered how sensing of nutrients and bacteria by gut neuropod cells guides our appetitive decisions." he said. "We hope this award inspires other scientists to explore the connection between the gut and the brain and it’s implications for the future of medicine."
Established by President Bill Clinton in 1996, the award recognizes innovative and far-reaching developments in science and technology, expands awareness of careers in science and engineering, recognizes the scientific missions of participating agencies, enhances connections between research and impacts on society, and highlights the importance of science and technology for our nation’s future.
“This is such wonderful recognition of the exciting and important work on the gut-brain axis in the Bohorquez laboratory,” said Dr. Andrew Muir, chief, Division of Gastroenterology.
This year’s awardees are employed or funded by 14 participating agencies. Dr. Bohorquez ’s award comes through his federally-funded work via the National Institutes of Health.