Brian Wu

Brian_wu_

“Being a Jack Kent Cooke Scholar has given me opportunities to explore differing views, try novel ideas, and venture into the unknown. Such undertakings should not be done lightly, but with enthusiasm and diligence. Thanks to the program I have been exposed to how different facets of knowledge and experience come together to make useful contributions to society.”

  • Program: 2011 Graduate Scholarship Recipient
  • Resides: Cambridge, MA
  • Hometown: Washington, D.C.
  • Age: 23

Biography

 

Profile: Virginia native Brian Wu won’t be traveling far between his undergraduate institution and his graduate school.  In fact, he won’t be traveling at all.  When you have the talent and brains to get into the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and want to be an engineer, there is no sense in thinking the grass is greener at another school.  Actually the MIT engineering program Brian is taking offers a fifth year so he will easily transition into graduate studies.  “This fifth year is a great chance to observe how pioneering research is conducted in academia, as well as work with brilliant colleagues. After obtaining my master’s, I hope to pursue a career that develops innovative circuits that will empower society,” said Brian.  A brilliant young man, Brian earned Young Scholar status while in high school, and then received a College Scholarship from the Foundation.  His area of expertise is analog circuitry.  “I will be focusing my research into analog circuit design, and/or embedded systems. I am confident that there is an untapped opportunity for me to demonstrate my skills.”

Inspiration:  In adversity, Brian found out how strong he was. “At MIT there are many exciting challenges and little room for complacency. With experience and flexibility, I persevere. Whether it’s building a high-speed amplifier, repairing broken equipment, or helping classmates, I am evaluated based on what I know, and admonished to continue my studies when I approach something I don’t understand.”

Aspiration: Brian hopes his abilities as an engineer will develop revolutionary new electronics that will “empower society.”

Making a Difference: Brian’s latest research project at MIT was a novel take on integrated computing. He helped turn spot lights and desk lamps into intelligent robotic platforms that reacted to human input. “Imagine, for example, a desk lamp that can analyze what’s on your desk and then project information about what it sees.” Brian said it was a “fantastic opportunity” to engage with engineers from other disciplines to create the product. “Days of coding drivers, testing new circuits, and conferring with mechanical and computer engineers were worth the effort in bringing the device to fruition.”

Accolades: At MIT Brian was awarded the William and Clara Gunther Scholarship and won the Mobile Autonomous Systems Laboratory Competition.

Interesting Fact: Brian earned Eagle Scout status while in high school.

 

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