The University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering’s student branch of Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) received top billing at the recent IEEE Region Five Conference, garnering seven awards, including the honor of Best Large Student Branch.
Former advisor David Shattuck, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, received the Outstanding Engineering Educator award, which is determined by student nominations.
In the robotics contest, 28 teams competed in a qualifying round and three heats. Only six teams advanced, and all three Cullen College teams earned a place in the finals. George Abinader, German Colin, Nathan Howard, and Eduardo Villareal captured the second-place award, the highest showing among University of Houston students. Finishing in fourth place were Cherrylyn Aranas, Michel Ho, Pavlos Georgas, Tommy Dufour. Sixth place was claimed by Blanca Padilla, Hung Huynh, Steve Kenessey, Ben Magwe.
Shattuck, who has worked as the IEEE advisor for almost a decade, explained that the IEEE success was not only for engineering students but also for the entire University of Houston community.
“I think it’s really important,” Shattuck said. “The student organizations are a key issue for us. The student organizations give the commuting students a sense of community here on the campus,” Shattuck said. “I’ve always been told that this is one of the few colleges of engineering that devotes actual space to student organizations.”
Ovidiu Crisan, professor of electrical and computer engineering, was recognized as the Outstanding Branch Counselor, and Nnamdi Bnabuihe rounded out the winner’s circle with the Outstanding Student award.