Tom Purucker, an instructor at the University of North Georgia’s Oconee campus, was honored at the White House in April with the Presidential Early Career Award for scientists and engineers. “The classroom and laboratory activities here at UNG have really helped me to be a better science communicator,” Purucker said in a news release. “The award itself would not have been possible without my involvement on this campus, both in terms of how it has impacted my research and because the White House puts a lot of weight on public service, such as science teaching and mentoring, when selecting award recipients.