Winner Archive
2024 Winners
Ahmedullah Aziz
Ahmedullah Aziz is an assistant professor of electrical engineering and computer science in the Tickle College of Engineering. His project aims to transform superconducting processors, which are crucial for quantum computing, high-performance computing systems, and space electronics. Part of his award will be used to develop superconducting circuits at the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems in Dresden, Germany.
Jian Huang
Jian Huang is a professor of Electrical engineering and computer science in the Tickle College of Engineering. Huang’s project focuses on developing intelligent Visualization as a Service to help organizations leverage big data without needing in-house data scientists. With his award, he aims to advance VaaS from university research to a functional prototype for business-critical applications.
Todd Reynolds
Todd Reynolds is a professor of microbiology in the College of Arts and Sciences. His project, carried out with the help of doctoral student Jordan Cannon, develops bacterial proteins that can degrade bioplastic materials for recycling. Funding from the award will provide supplies for the project.
John Sorochan
John Sorochan is a Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science and Management in the UT Institute of Agriculture. Sorochan and Research Associate Kyley Dickson developed a testing device called fLEX, which measures the performance and playability of sports surfaces. Their funding will be used to continue developing software and prototypes of the invention.
Uday Vaidya
UT–Oak Ridge National Laboratory Governor’s Chair for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Uday Vaidya, with the help of Research Specialist Pritesh Yeole and graduate assistant Vinit Chaudhary, created a carding technology to comb through carbon, glass, and natural fibers. The process will allow the fibers to be recycled, resulting in a reduction of landfill waste. Vaidya and his team will use the funding to continue developing prototypes of the technology.