Announcing the 2020 ECE Outstanding Thesis Research Awards

Congratulations to ECE Ph.D. candidates Yingjie Bi and Xiaonan Hui, co-winners of the ECE Outstanding Thesis Research Awards.

The annual award is typically given to one graduating Ph.D. student from the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, based on the significance of their doctoral research. This year, two winners were honored, each receiving a $1500.00 cash award.

Yingjie Bi‘s thesis focuses on the theory of nonconvex optimization. His research proposes new methods to analyze the performance of algorithms for solving nonconvex optimization problems. His faculty advisor is Kevin Tang.

“My research could potentially help people to design better algorithms for nonconvex problems raised in many fields such as computer networks, power systems and machine learning,” said Bi. “It is a great honor to receive this award.”

Xiaonan Hui’s Ph.D. work is focused on investigating the harmonic RFID system, from hardware to protocols for vital signs sensing, indoor localization and imaging. It has potential impacts for Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. His faculty advisor is Edwin Kan.

“I think this award gives me more confidence to continue my academic career,” Hui said. “I would not have achieved this without the guidance of Prof. Kan and support from my family and friends.”

The ECE Graduate Committee reviews award nominations and the ECE Director of Graduate Studies oversees the process. In addition to the cash prize, the winners will each be presented with an engraved plaque near the end of the semester.

Other Articles of Interest