She graduated at 17 with honors in physics and computer science and went on to pursue a PhD in plasma physics at Princeton.

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He then went on to study neuroscience at the University of California, Riverside, where he received a bachelor's degree in science and graduated with honors in 2010.

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Each year the PAEMST award, which is administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, alternates between granting honors to teachers of grades K-6 and grades 7-12.

WHITEHOUSE: Office of Science and Technology Policy Blog

Gaiman, whose honors include the Newbery Medal for children's writing, the Hugo for science-fiction and fantasy and a Carnegie Medal in literature, has written fantasy epics "Neverwhere" and "American Gods" and the groundbreaking graphic-novel series "The Sandman, " among other works.

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