Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship awarded to standout engineering student

Electrical engineering grad student focuses research on robotic control systems

Tuesday, Aug 10, 2021 • Herb Booth : Contact

Binoy George, an electrical engineering graduate student at The University of Texas at Arlington, has received a Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship.

Binoy George
Binoy George

George, who graduated from UTA in May with an Honor’s Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, is continuing his studies in the master's degree program, focusing his research on control systems. He was one of 62 award recipients and received $8,500 for his first year of graduate study.

George became a member of Phi Kappa Phi through his involvement with UTA’s Honors College. Rebekah Chojnacki, president of Phi Kappa Phi Chapter 300 and an assistant director of the Honors College, said George was a standout as an undergraduate.

“Binoy is a good example of what Phi Kappa Phi is about: rewarding a love of learning,” Chojnacki said. “He works really hard and is dedicated to going above and beyond. The fellowship is a reward for his commitment.”

George said he is honored to have earned the fellowship and appreciates the opportunities UTA provides for students to work alongside talented researchers.

“It’s a confidence-booster that I can perform well in my research and my academics as a master’s student,” he said. “I feel like I can focus on school now, rather than worry about finances. My most significant experience here is being able to work with Dr. Yan Wan in the field of robotics. In addition to learning a lot, I’ve found that working in her lab also helped me recognize my passion in research, specifically in localization and mapping of robotic systems.”

Established in 1932, the Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship has become the society’s signature award, providing funding for the first year of graduate or professional study. The 2021 class of fellows represents students from more than 60 colleges and universities across the nation. The selection process for a fellowship is based on the applicant’s evidence of graduate potential, undergraduate academic achievement, service and leadership experience, letters of recommendation, personal statement of educational perspective and career goals and acceptance in an approved graduate or professional program.

- Written by Jeremy Agor, College of Engineering