Seven grad students receive prestigious IBM fellowships
IBM Masters Fellowships that recognize and support exceptional master’s degree students making their mark in researching the application of promising and disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). The students were honored at the Southern University System Board of Supervisors meeting on May 16 on Southern’s campus.
Currently in its fourth year, the prestigious IBM Masters Fellowship program is awarding $11,000 each to 18 master’s degree students at 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for their work in 2023. IBM is also offering recipients the opportunity to work directly with IBM experts, including those who specialize in AI, to receive coaching on their research.
“Congratulations to Southern University and A&M College and its seven students on being recognized by IBM’s Masters Fellowship in their quest for excellence and innovation,” said Lydia Logan, IBM VP of Global Education and Workforce Development. “Many of these scholars are researching the application of important technologies like AI to numerous aspects of life and science. We are honored to be able to support exceptional students in their education journeys and career pursuits.”
Eligible fellowship candidates are enrolled in U.S. arts or science master’s degree programs preparing students for any field, with a special focus on technology such as artificial intelligence, hybrid cloud, cybersecurity, and semiconductors.
The majority of IBM Masters Fellowship award recipients this year are working on projects involving AI. Some AI-related projects underway by fellowship recipients include studies of how AI might potentially improve transportation, air quality, natural resources, materials science, civic governance, and hiring.
An impressive seven master’s students recognized by the fellowship attend Southern: Vishak Chandrasekharan, Ama Darkwah, Shilpa Jaiswal, Sri Chandana Julalanti, Evelyn Quansah, Shwetha Ramadas and Amilah Mendoza.
IBM’s Masters Fellowship program is just one aspect of IBM’s social impact efforts that support education and readiness for STEM careers, particularly those that relate to AI. Southern University and A&M College is also home to one of 20 IBM Cybersecurity Leadership Centers. Through IBM's collaboration, Southern University faculty and students have access to IBM SkillsBuild coursework, lectures, immersive training experiences, certifications, IBM Cloud-hosted software, and professional development resources, all at no cost to them.