On July 2, 2019, President Donald J. Trump announced the recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). One of this years' recipients is Prashant Jain. Jain received the award for his work investigating artificial photosynthesis through light-matter interactions in nanoscale materials. Jain is the Richard and Margaret Romano Professorial Scholar, an Associate Professor of Chemistry, and Associate Head of Major Projects. He also has affiliations with the department of physics, the Materials Research Laboratory and the Beckman Institute.

PECASE is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government to outstanding scientists and engineers, beginning their independent careers, that show exceptional potential for leadership at the frontiers of scientific knowledge in this century. It embodies the high priority placed by the government on maintaining the leadership position of the United States in science by producing outstanding scientists and engineers and nurturing their continued development.