 |
|
David Idell and
Vincent LaBella
|
 |
|
Michael Carpenter and
Rezina Siddique
|
Among select group nationwide recognized for research efforts
Two students involved in advanced research programs at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) at the University at Albany - State University of New York (UAlbany) have been recognized with prestigious national scholarships to support their ongoing educational efforts.
Rezina Siddique of Elmhurst, NY was awarded an Intel Corporation/Semiconductor Research Corporation Education Alliance ("SRCEA") Master's Scholarship - one of only 14 students nationwide to receive this recognition - to support her research in the field of silicon nanowires for emerging nanochip applications. Working under the supervision of Professors Michael Carpenter and Kathleen Dunn, she is expected to complete her master's degree in summer 2006.
Also, David Idell of Fishkill, NY was awarded an Undergraduate Research Assistants ("URA") Award by the SRCEA URA Program, which will support his research in the field of spintronics. A sophomore at UAlbany with a double major in computer science and physics who is working with Professor Vincent LaBella, he is expected to complete his bachelor's degrees in spring 2008.
Dr. Kermit Hall, UAlbany President, said: "These awards are a glowing testimony of the high academic caliber and scholarly excellence of the faculty and students in our College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering. The University is proud to be a global leader in the pioneering fields of nanoscience and nanoengineering. I congratulate Ms. Siddique, Mr. Idell and the CNSE faculty on these honors and am confident that both students will become leaders in these ever-expanding disciplines."
Dr. Alain Kaloyeros, Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of CNSE, stated: "These national awards recognize Ms. Siddique and Mr. Idell as two of the brightest young minds in the most enabling science and engineering field in the U.S. The college and its faculty are extremely proud of their accomplishments. At the same time, these awards speak highly of the intellectual competence of our faculty and the unparalleled research opportunities available for both undergraduates and graduates at UAlbany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering."
Siddique began research as an undergraduate in the CNSE Summer Internship Program in 2003, and earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry and molecular biology, cum laude, at UAlbany in 2004. Her research is focused on the development of new methods to make silicon nanowires, which can be used to create chemical sensors with a variety of applications, from harsh environments to reduction of emissions on jet engines to monitoring of soil and groundwater at Superfund sites.
"Rezina's hard work and dedication have helped to grow our silicon nanowire program," said Dr. Carpenter. "In addition, her varied background has allowed us to expand the work beyond the original goals of the program. That reflects the reality of research programs today; in order to be successful, exposure to a variety of disciplines is essential."
"I had such a positive experience as an undergraduate doing research at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering. It encouraged me to continue with my graduate studies here," said Siddique. "I believe in the work I'm doing, which has the potential to impact a host of important issues that confront society. I've also been pleased with the interdisciplinary nature of the work I've been involved in, which is opening up additional opportunities to collaborate with colleagues from a variety of disciplines."
Idell's research has been focused on measuring spin transport through semiconductor device structures. He's written several data analysis programs which have been put into use to reduce large amounts of statistical data to the most pertinent information.
"David's experience demonstrates that there are outstanding opportunities at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering for undergraduates who plan to go on to graduate school," said Dr. LaBella. "In fact, research experience as an undergrad is an important criterion for grad school candidates, so Dave clearly has an edge in what is a highly competitive environment."
"I chose to attend UAlbany in large part because of the presence of the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering and the Albany NanoTech facility," said Idell. "At first, I saw it as a chance to get involved in the cutting-edge technologies that are being developed. Now, I also see it as a path to graduate research, which I hope to do here."
Back to Archives >>
