Incoming Electrical and Computing System Engineers Promise Big Things

Next time you locate a new restaurant with GPS, text a friend, or search the internet for show times, think of the millions of electrical engineers who make our technological society function. Without their research and development, computers, satellites, power generation, and more could not exist as it does today.

The UC College of Engineering and Applied Science has been training electrical and computing system engineers who have gone on to make real contributions in the field since Thomas Edison graced the campus. The incoming class of future world changers includes 26 National Merit Scholars, 4 of which are entering the department of electrical engineering and computing systems as is a UC Presidential Scholarship Winner. Of those 5 students, two are pursuing electrical engineering degrees, two are pursuing computer engineering degrees, and one is pursuing a computer science degree.

Incoming freshman, Jeremiah Greer is a UC Presidential Scholarship winners who will begin studying computer science this fall. He explains, “Through my education at UC, I hope to move ahead with advances in the areas of artificial intelligence and quantum computing – important concepts that are still in the fairly early stages of development.” Having served as president of his high school’s engineering club, the national English Honor Society and participating in UC’s national JETS (Junior Engineering Technical Society) TEAMS (Test of Engineering Aptitude Mathematics and Science) competition, hosted by CEAS , Jeremiah has already had a taste of what it means to be a Bearcat.

The variety of majors within the 2014 incoming class highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the electrical engineering and computing systems department. Although their degrees will be different, many will be working together on projects and research efforts.

The incoming class will also study under some of UC’s top faculty. The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computing Systems is home two world renowned professors, Andrew Steckl, PhD, and Jason Heikenfeld, PhD, who hold several patents and company positions in addition to their UC faculty duties. Professors Steckl and Heikenfeld have put UC on the map with groundbreaking research in electrowetting. In late June the duo co-hosted the 9th International Meeting on Electrowetting at the University of Cincinnati which has previously been held in cities such as Athens, Greece, Los Angeles, California and New York City.

Professors Heikenfeld and Steckl were both recently ranked two of Ohio’s top 25 STEM professors. Jason Heikenfeld was also named one of NerdScholar’s

40 Under 40, Professors Who Inspire

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These two professors offer unique opportunities for not only those five freshmen, but all in the class who will begin their journey this fall. With one Presidential Scholar and four National Merit Scholars, this year’s electrical and  computing students will surely fit in with the prestigious faculty already here.