AUSTIN, Texas — Clint Dawson, the creator of a code to predict hurricane storm surges, and Stephen Vladeck, an expert on federal courts and constitutional law, have been named the 2024 recipients of The University of Texas at Austin President’s Research Impact Award.
President Jay Hartzell established the award in 2023 to recognize researchers whose endeavors have changed lives and understanding. Dawson, the Cockrell Family Regents Chair in Engineering #2, was instrumental in developing a simulation code used globally in hurricane storm surge predictions. Dawson's work has influenced action plans for major storms, with Jim Blackburn highlighting the potential to prevent environmental disasters.
Vladeck, the Charles Alan Wright Chair in Federal Courts, has shed light on the U.S. Supreme Court's "shadow docket" and the need for transparency in rulings. Leah Litman praised Vladeck's impact on the justices' practices in response to his research.
The President’s Research Impact Award aims to honor researchers making societal, economic, or imaginative impacts. Recipients receive a $10,000 prize and medal. The Office of the Vice President for Research oversees the award process.