College of Engineering Engineering graduate students awarded for accomplishments in research, service and teaching
The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) College of Engineering recently presented its graduate student awards. These recognitions showcase the significant contributions made to those acknowledged.
Congratulations to Corrine Leonard, Scott Taylor, Mostafa Zaman and Fahid Chowdhury!
Outstanding Graduate Service Award
Corrine Leonard from the Department of Biomedical Engineering received the Outstanding Graduate Service Award for her work as a graduate mentor for Phi Sigma Rho, which is VCU’s women in engineering sorority. In addition, Leonard was also recognized for her position as director of the Richmond branch for the Engineering Practice in Color (EPIC) Program, where she helps teach hands-on STEM activities at schools in the Richmond area. She also frequently volunteers for VCU open houses and high school visits at the college by giving lab tours and answering questions about her program.
The Outstanding Graduate Service Award goes to a graduate student who is active in giving back to the community.
Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award
Scott Taylor from the Department of Computer Science received the Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award for his work as a teaching assistant for Computing and Data Ethics. Scott was commended by his professors for his ability to take initiative and effectively communicate complex topics to students. He was described by students as being approachable and very helpful.
The Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award is presented to a graduate student exemplifies what a teaching assistant should be: one who communicates complex topics effectively to students, is patient when working with students struggling to grasp course content, holds consistent office hours, and goes above and beyond to help students.
Outstanding Graduate Research Award
Fahim Chowdhury from the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering and Mostafa Zaman from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering both received the Outstanding Graduate Research Award.
Chowdhury’s research entails nanomagnetic devices, as well as quantum computing and sensing to different audiences. He has given talks at the American Physical Society, March Meeting and IEEE-sponsored Magnetism and Magnetic Materials conferences. Chowdhury has also been instrumental in co-mentoring K-12 students, undergraduate interns and Ph.D. students who are new to the program. He also recently helped in preparing grant applications with collaborators from various universities such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of California, Los Angeles, as well as groups in the United Kingdom and India. Chowdhury was described as being a diligent, dedicated teaching assistant and student.
Zaman’s primary research interests include integrating control, optimization and machine learning techniques in different smart cities disciplines. He seeks to design resilient, adaptive and innovative solutions that improve the efficiency, safety and sustainability of urban environments. He made great contributions to the OpenCyberCity testbed, where his expertise has been integral in advancing research in IoT, machine learning, smart city domains and cyber-physical systems. Additionally, he demonstrated an exceptional capacity to create practical applications out of theoretical studies, and his strategic insight and leadership skills enhanced the efficacy of the project. Zaman believes that research innovation is not just about discovering new ideas but about connecting them to solve real-world problems in different ways.
The Outstanding Graduate Research Award goes to a graduate student who strives for excellence in research, shows leadership in the lab, mentors and acts as an example for undergraduate students in the lab.
The VCU College of Engineering offers innovative undergraduate and graduate degree programs tailored to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving engineering field. As part of a premier research university, students are given the opportunity to perform real-world research in our state-of-the-art facilities as soon as they enroll. Browse videos and recent news to discover how the College of Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University prepares the next generation of scientists and engineers for the challenges of the future.
Categories Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Graduate Student Stories, Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering, Student Stories