Leading-Edge Research and Development > Research Profiles > Profiles Archive > CNSE Undergraduate Student is Named First Recipient of the Yang Family NEXUS Scholarship

CNSE undergraduate student Michael Hovish was recently honored as the first-ever recipient of the Yang Family Nanotechnology EXploration for Undergraduate Scholarship ("NEXUS").

A 2009 graduate of Shaker High School in Colonie, NY, Hovish is a member of CNSE's inaugural undergraduate class, which was launched in the spring 2010 semester.

"I am ecstatic and honored to be the first recipient of this prestigious award," Hovish said. "I'm grateful to the Yang Family for their generous scholarship support. It will definitely come in handy as I continue my education and training."

CNSE student Michael Hovish with UAlbany alumnus Mark Yang '93

The NEXUS fund was established by UAlbany alumnus Mark Yang '93 to provide scholarship support for CNSE students who demonstrate strong academic achievement and exceptional promise in the fields of science and technology.

"I have always been interested in the energy-related research and development being conducted at CNSE," said Yang. "So, when I heard that CNSE was launching a nanoscale science and nanoscale engineering undergraduate program, I knew I wanted to provide scholarship support to a future trailblazer in these pioneering fields."

Chosen for his academic excellence and distinguished service to CNSE, Hovish is currently enrolled in the CNSE Nanoscale Engineering program. He spent his summer as an intern for the CNSE Nanoeconomics Constellation, researching the history of nanotechnology in the Capital Region and New York State, and learning about the intricacies of job forecasting with CNSE Assistant Professor of Nanoeconomics Laura Schultz.

"Mike is a very curious and enthusiastic researcher. For the past few months, he has analyzed data, identified and read primary sources, and interviewed stakeholders," said Schultz. "He has the ability to ask important questions and a passion for finding the answers. He has the talent necessary for a long and successful career in research."

As for Hovish's career plans, he hopes to use his education and training from CNSE to possibly enter the entrepreneurial arena.

"Being in an environment that offers its undergraduate students a world-class experience working with, and learning from, the top innovative minds in the academic and industrial worlds is a dream come true," Hovish said. "My summer internship has exposed me to technologies that have opened my mind to some great start-up ideas."