OHSU Scientist Damien Fair Honored

Oregon Health & Science University neuroscientist Damien Fair, PA-C, Ph.D, who studies the developing brain has won a special presidential award.

The White House announced Dec. 23, that Fair was among 102 scientists and engineers to be honored with the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers for 2013.

Fair identified different types of Attention Deficit Disorder, and is using brain imaging to map children’s development and to identify

"The impressive achievement of these early-stage scientists and engineers are promising indicators of even greater successes ahead,” President Obama said. "We are grateful for their commitment to generating the scientific and technical advancements that will ensure America's global leadership for many years to come.”

Fair's research using brain imaging technology to map children’s development. He is working to understand what’s different about the brains of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism. The aim is to improve the scientific understanding so doctors can find better ways to diagnose and treat these disorders.

"I am honored to have been considered for this award and extremely humbled to have received it,” said Fair, who is an assistant professor of behavioral neuroscience, an assistant professor of psychiatry and an assistant scientist in the Advanced Imaging Research Center at OHSU. "The scientific work we've been conducting is really the culmination of several mentors who have guided my training, a large and talented staff who conduct much of the work and many families who feel it important to participate in our research.”

Fair also founded an OHSU initiative in 2012 called YES! — or the Youth Engaged in Science program, which gives opportunities to underrepresented middle and high school students in science, technology, engineering and math. careers.