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DOE recognizes computer scientist Michael Papka with Honor Award

February 16, 2021

Professor Michael Papka from the Department of Computer Science.

Computer Science Professor Michael Papka, director of NIU’s Data, Devices, and Interaction Laboratory (ddiLab), was recently named among the recipients of the 2020 Secretary of Energy’s Honor Awards.

The awards recognize U.S. Department of Energy employees and contractors for their service and contributions to the department’s mission and the benefit of the nation.

Papka holds a joint appointment with Argonne National Laboratory, where he serves as a senior scientist and division director of the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility (ALCF).

He and Argonne colleague Katherine Riley, ALCF director of science, were recognized as part of the High-Performance Computing (HPC) Resource Team, which received an Achievement Award from the Secretary of Energy. They were part of the team that mobilized supercomputing resources to accelerate research into treatments and strategies to combat the pandemic.

The Honor Awards represent one of the highest DOE honors for an employee or contractor. Papka’s work also has been recognized at NIU. Last year he was named a Presidential Research, Scholarship and Artistry Professor. The award is the university’s top recognition for outstanding research or artistry.