Dr. Matt Kirwan, an associate professor at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, has earned the U.S. government’s highest commendation possible for a young scientist or engineer. The ceremony honoring Kirwan and the other winners will be held today.

The Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers award “recognizes those who show exceptional promise for the advancement of STEM education and community service as demonstrated through scientific leadership, public education, and community outreach,” a VIMS spokesperson explained.

Kirwan graduated from the College of William and Mary in 2002 with a bachelor of science degree in geology and a minor in mathematics. He completed his Ph.D. at Duke University in 2007. Since joining VIMS in 2013, Kirwan has authored or co-authored 18 articles and has been published in “Nature” and “Science,” two leading research journals.

“The Presidential Early Career Award...