Marquette receives $597,000 from federal government to support financial and educational needs of doctoral students in electrical engineering

November 15, 2018

Grant aims to increase student preparation for careers in higher education and research in electrical engineering

MILWAUKEE — The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Marquette University received a $597,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need Fellowship Program to support the financial and educational needs of doctoral students.

The three-year grant aims to increase the number of students who are prepared for, and motivated to, pursue careers in higher education and research in electrical engineering. Recruitment of students will begin immediately and will focus on identifying fellows from underrepresented populations in engineering, such as women and minorities.

The principal investigator of the grant is Dr. Edwin Yaz, professor of electrical and computer engineering. Drs. Fabien Josse, professor of electrical and computer engineering, and Susan Schneider, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, will serve as co-principal investigators on the grant.

"This funding will allow our department to provide GAANN Fellows with a state-of-the-art doctoral research program in electrical and computer engineering," Yaz said. "We will also offer extensive teaching and research experience through mentor-supervisor relationships and a special seminar in academic careers."

The grant also aims to reduce the time-to-degree in the doctoral program by providing the support system and close monitoring of performance.

"We are thrilled for the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the important work they will be leading with this grant," said Dr. Kristina Ropella, Opus Dean of the Opus College of Engineering. "Their focus on bringing more underrepresented populations not only into engineering, but into engineering education and research, serves well to our mission as a college to 'change the face of engineering' by diversifying our students and thereby, the workforce."

The grant will be matched 25 percent by the university.