UK Electrical and Computer Engineering

January 2025

Happy New Year

Welcome our Newest Faculty Member

The new year ushers in a new semester - and our newest faculty hire, Dr. Paul Eberhart. Dr. Eberhart is currently running the lab experiences for Digital Logic Design and Embedded Systems. Eberhart's focus is on developing sustainable, hands-on curriculum, and his role is expected to expand to course development for other instructional labs.

New Research Awards

Several ECE faculty have won new research awards from sponsors such as NASA KY and LGE-KU. These awards will support new projects in areas like wireless electric power, uncrewed vehicle systems and data center opportunities.

Transition to Engineering Draws Record Attendance

Transition to Engineering (T2E) is a program whereby high school students can earn credit for UK introductory engineering courses, and is led by ECE faculty member Doug Klein. T2E starts with a Project Kick Off Event where students share project ideas and connect with engineering faculty, alumni and other students across the state. This year's event was supported by ECE faculty, students and alumni, and welcomed 280 students representing 20 different Kentucky high schools.

Historic Eta Kappa Nu Induction

A record-breaking 22 students were inducted into Eta Kappa Nu (HKN), the ECE honor society, in December.

IEEE-HKN members are students, alumni, and other professionals who have demonstrated exceptional academic and professional accomplishments. Student members are selected on the basis of scholastic standing, character, and leadership.

Computer Engineering Student James Russell's Story Gains University Attention

From "holler" to "higher ed," James's path drew him from Johnson County and the Cumberland Mountains to the University of Kentucky through the UK Pigman Scholarship.

ECE Students Winners of the Lighthouse Scholarship

Rosemary Alden and Donovin Lewis were both named Lighthouse Beacon Foundation scholars, part of the inaugural cohort.

Thanks to the generous support of Stanley and Karen Pigman and Kentucky’s Research Challenge Trust Fund, the Lighthouse Beacon Foundation Endowment supports faculty, research, graduate students, facilities and research infrastructure in the Pigman College of Engineering.

Congratulations to our Fall 2024 Graduates

University Fall commencement was held on Friday, Dec. 23,

Pictured, Yaser Chulaee and Ben Luckett, both electrical engineering PhD graduates.

Eta Kapa Nu Inductee also President of the UK Rock Climbing Club

Besides displaying academic excellence and leadership in the classroom and on campus, recent HKN inductee and EE sophomore Ellie Carter, also works at the Johnson Recreational Center and is president of the university's Rock Climbing Club. In a recent interview with the Kentucky Kernel, Ellie explained a typical club meeting consists of a "challenge or team-building activity with free climbing at the end. Some challenges include racing to the top of the wall, climbing with only one arm or climbing while blindfolded."

UK's Partnership with Toyota Celebrates 30 Years

To commemorate the 30-year anniversary of UK's partnership with Toyota, leaders from academia, government and industry gathered at UK’s Gatton Student Center to celebrate and reflect on the partnership's impact. UK President Eli Capilouto, Congressman Andy Barr, Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray and Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton were among the speakers.

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Career Development Events

UK Engineering Alumni Association

Alumni Mentor Program

Have an ECE story you would like to share? Send it to ukece@uky.edu!