In a hallmark success for NC State, a record-breaking 31 students received Graduate Research Fellowships from the National Science Foundation this year. Of those, an impressive ten engineering students, including Kristen Garcia, a graduate student in Electical Engineering, were honored as Fellows.

Garcia, who received her Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics from Murray State University, Kentucky in 2015, is working towards her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at NC State.

"I believe that there are two contributing factors to being named an NSF Graduate Research Fellow," explains Garcia. "First, working as a McNair undergraduate research assistant under Dr. Aleck Leedy at Murry State University, and second, attending graduate school here at NC State. Being a part of the FREEDM ERC on campus under Dr. Alex Huang has been invaluable to my research experience."

The FREEDM Systems Center, one of the NSF research centers based at NC State, leads an effort to create a modern power grid that intelligently manages power securely using advanced power electronics.

"I look forward to designing the fourth generation Solid State Transformer within FREEDM," Garcia adds, "continuing to pursue K-12 STEM outreach, and supporting other rural university students as they consider graduate school."

Out of 17,000 applicants for this year's Fellowship from across the country, only 2,000 were named as recipients, receiving three years of financial support, including a $34,000 annual stipend and $12,000 cost-of-education allowance for tuition and fees. They also benefit from opportunities for international research and professional development, and the freedom to conduct their own research at any accredited U.S. institution they choose.

The NSF has funded 50,000 Graduate Research Fellowships since 1952 to individuals that are noted early-on as demonstrating potential to make significant contributions to science and engineering, including many who would go on to receive the Nobel Prize, and become members of the National Academy of Sciences.