Grant Yang named 2012 Goldwater Scholar

Grant Yang, a junior in electrical and computer engineering, has been named a 2012 Goldwater Scholar by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program. The Goldwater is the most prestigious national award for undergraduate researchers in science, math and engineering. (Watch the surprise award presentation.)

Yang is conducting research with Dr. Bradley Clymer, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, and Dr. Petra Schmalbrock at OSU’s Wright Center of Innovation in Medical Imaging. His research explores the use of signal processing to expand the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in multiple sclerosis studies. An honors student and accomplished pianist, Yang plans to pursue a PhD in electrical engineering and develop novel medical imaging techniques as a professor at a research institution.

Yang is one of only four Ohio State students to be recognized by Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program. Since the award's inception in 1986, Ohio State has produced 44 Goldwater Scholars. This is the second year in a row that an ECE student has received a Goldwater Scholarship.

Goldwater Scholars receive a one year award to cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500. A total of 282 Goldwater Scholarships were awarded to sophomores and juniors on the basis of academic merit from a field of over 1,100 mathematics, science, and engineering students who were nominated by the faculties of colleges and universities nationwide. An additional 190 Honorable Mentions were also awarded. Each institution may only nominate four students for this award.