Doctoral Student Recognized with NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Honorable Mention

Congratulations to CJ Huey, a U-M Aerospace Engineering doctoral student in Prof. Venkat Viswanathan’s Electrochemical Energy Group, on receiving an Honorable Mention from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP).

The NSF GRFP seeks to ensure the quality, vitality, and strength of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. This is accomplished through support for fellows as they conduct research and pursue their degree. NSF GRFP fellows go on to make broad contributions to society and their respective fields. The NSF confers Honorable Mention designations to outstanding applicants not awarded a fellowship in recognition of the strength of their research proposal and academic record.

“Receiving this recognition, even though it is not the main award, gives me confidence in the potential of my research and in my academic career,” said Huey. “I was not sure of the direction of my PhD when I came to Michigan last year, but through the recognition of my research plan by the NSF and the support of my lab, I am positive I am working towards impactful discoveries that I am passionate about.”

Huey was first drawn to U-M Aerospace Engineering when seeking a graduate program that offered an intersection of Huey’s love for rocketry and flight along with an interest in sustainability and energy storage, which was gained working with an electrolysis cell startup during their undergraduate studies.

“When I started my search for graduate programs, I wanted to combine my interests and found the perfect opportunity in Prof. Viswanathan’s Electrochemical Energy Group, where I could explore battery development for sustainable aircraft,” said Huey.

Thanks to the time spent at U-M Aerospace and in Prof. Viswanathan’s research group, Huey is prepared for a variety of future career options.

“My education and research here will prepare me for any path I wish to take in sustainable aviation and energy storage, but I plan on returning to industry once I complete my degree,” said Huey. “I want to apply the knowledge and skills I will gain here directly to the next innovations on the market, and help develop more environmentally friendly solutions in aerospace. However, I do have a love of teaching, and want to revisit working in academia later in my career.”