Awards

The Preston M. Green Department of Electrical & Systems Engineering is proud to recognize the exceptional accomplishments of the students and faculty who define the strength and spirit of our academic community. These honors reflect the hard work, innovation, and dedication of individuals who go above and beyond in advancing the mission of the department and contributing to the broader engineering community.

Our annual awards ceremony, held at the end of the spring semester, serves as a moment to reflect on the year’s achievements and celebrate the people who make our department thrive. Below is a showcase of the 2024-2025 award recipients.

Jump to: Undergraduate | Graduate | Faculty

Undergraduate

The David H. Levy Outstanding Senior Award

The David H. Levy Prize for the Outstanding Electrical Engineering Senior recognizes exceptional academic accomplishments in electrical and systems engineering throughout four years of undergraduate education. Established in 1987, this prestigious award is bestowed annually to a deserving student who has demonstrated exemplary dedication and achievement within the field. The recipient is selected based on rigorous criteria, including academic excellence, innovative contributions to the discipline, and leadership within academic and extracurricular activities. This award not only celebrates scholarly achievement but also honors the legacy of David H. Levy, underscoring a commitment to excellence in electrical engineering education.

Awardees: Thomas Lang, Katy Petlyuk, Evan Sharafuddin, Thomas Upin, Emily Zeiberg

The Russell R. Pfeiffer Outstanding Junior Award

The Russell R. Pfeiffer Outstanding Junior Award honors the legacy of Professor Russell R. Pfeiffer, who served as chair of the Department of Electrical Engineering from 1971 to 1975. A respected scholar and leader, Professor Pfeiffer played a pivotal role in advancing interdisciplinary research, notably contributing to the establishment of the Sensory Biophysics Laboratory within the Department of Physiology at the Washington University School of Medicine.

This award recognizes exceptional academic achievement in electrical and systems engineering during the first three years of undergraduate study. It is presented annually to a junior who demonstrates both academic excellence and a strong commitment to the field.

The Rick Grodsky Award for Technical Achievement

The Rick Grodsky ESE Award for Technical Achievement honors the memory of Richard “Rick” Grodsky, a dedicated educator, administrator, and alumnus of Washington University. Established in 2003, this award is presented annually to a student who demonstrates outstanding technical achievement in electrical and systems engineering—typically through original, innovative research or design work.

Professor Grodsky earned his bachelor's (1965), master's (1967), and doctoral (1971) degrees in electrical engineering from Washington University. He served as a faculty member in the Department of Electrical Engineering from 1990 to 1999 and later as assistant dean and registrar from 1999 until his passing in 2002.

The David H. Levy Award for Distinguished Service

The David H. Levy Award for Distinguished Service recognizes students who demonstrate a deep commitment to serving others through the application or support of electrical and systems engineering. This honor is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to society—whether through leadership in student engineering organizations or through impactful work that applies engineering principles to address broader societal needs.

Named in honor of Professor David H. Levy, the award reflects his dedication to fostering civic engagement and professional responsibility among engineers. Recipients embody the spirit of service and leadership that Professor Levy championed throughout his career.

Professional Achievement Award

The Professional Achievement Award honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in the field of electrical and systems engineering beyond the academic setting. This distinction is awarded to those whose work has made a significant impact in industry—often through the development of innovative commercial technologies, products, or services.

Recipients may be recognized for their leadership within established companies or for entrepreneurial success in launching startup ventures. The award celebrates the practical application of engineering expertise and the advancement of technology that benefits society at large.

Graduate

The Outstanding Master's Research Award

The Master’s Research Award recognizes exceptional research achievements by a master's student in electrical and systems engineering. It is intended to honor students who have demonstrated a high level of initiative, creativity and technical skill in the pursuit of new knowledge or the development of innovative solutions to complex engineering problems. Recipients of this award have made meaningful contributions to the advancement of the field, often laying the groundwork for future academic, professional or entrepreneurial success.

Eligibility is not limited to students completing a formal thesis. Research conducted as part of a faculty-led laboratory or through enrollment in ESE 5997 Independent Study.

The Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award

The Doctoral Research Award honors exceptional scholarly achievement in electrical and systems engineering at the doctoral level. This award is presented to a PhD student who has demonstrated outstanding research capability, intellectual depth and originality in addressing complex challenges within the discipline.

Recipients are recognized for their significant contributions to advancing knowledge in the field, often through groundbreaking theoretical developments, innovative methodologies or impactful applications. The award reflects the department’s commitment to excellence in doctoral education and research, and it celebrates the perseverance, rigor and vision required to complete a distinguished body of doctoral work.

The Outstanding Graduate Student Assistant to the Instructor (AI) Award

The Outstanding Graduate Student Assistant to the Instructor (AI) Award recognizes exemplary performance in teaching and instructional support by a graduate student. This award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, effectiveness and professionalism in their role as an AI.

Recipients of this award go above and beyond in supporting course instruction—whether through leading discussion sections, mentoring students, assisting with course development, or providing timely and thoughtful feedback. Their contributions enhance the learning experience for students and support the department’s commitment to academic excellence in the classroom.

Faculty

The Chair’s Award for Outstanding Teaching

The Chair’s Award for Outstanding Teaching is presented annually to a faculty member who demonstrates exceptional dedication to teaching and student learning within the Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering. This award honors educators who consistently exhibit excellence in the classroom, foster intellectual curiosity, and create a supportive and engaging learning environment.

Recipients are recognized for their innovative teaching methods, commitment to student success, and ability to communicate complex concepts with clarity and enthusiasm. The award reflects the department’s deep appreciation for the vital role that outstanding teaching plays in shaping the academic and professional growth of our students.