Sheena Sethi Iyengar

Sheena Sethi Iyengar, Columbia Business School professor of management, received the 2001 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers in the Social Sciences on Dec. 11. Each year, the National Science Foundation (NSF) gives one scholar the Presidential Award for outstanding research in the area of social sciences. The awardee is chosen from a highly select group of the year's Faculty Early Career Development Award winners.

Iyengar received the award for a research proposal that questions the common assumption that more choice is always intrinsically motivating and results in higher levels of satisfaction. Along with the award, Iyengar will receive a grant of more than $650,000 to continue her research.

The National Science Foundation is an independent Federal agency created to promote the progress of science and advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare.