CEE Alumni Named Hertz Fellows

MCLEAN, Va. - April 30, 2015 - PRLog -- The Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) congratulates its alumni, Katherine Xue and Maxim Rabinovich, for being named 2015 Hertz Fellows.

Katherine attended CEE’s United States Biology Olympiad (USABO) in 2008 which is jointly sponsored with Purdue University to train in the biological sciences. She is presently a PhD candidate studying biology and genome sciences at Washington University.  Katherine is interested in evolutionary biology and has performed research in biochemistry, microbiology, and molecular genetics.  She is applying frameworks from theoretical evolutionary biology to problems in medicine and ecology. Her goal is to harness the power of genomic technologies to understand evolutionary forces and their lasting effects.

“Scientific literacy is incredibly important in today’s society—it informs decisions ranging from everyday choices to issues of international importance,” said Katherine Xue.  “I think that scientists have a responsibility to communicate to the public not only about scientific findings, but also about scientific ways of thinking.”

Maxim attended CEE’s Research Science Institute in 2008 for six weeks which is offered in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to study advanced theory and research in the sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics.  He is currently pursuing his PhD in computer science at University of California Berkeley.  Maxim is researching machine learning and natural language processing.  Maxim is also interested in developing artificial intelligence tools that support and extend human reasoning.

“The scientific community needs tools, and that’s a big part of what artificial intelligence can offer,” said Maxim Rabinovich.  “I’m interested in building more efficient ways to gather and process information. One of the great things about the Hertz Fellowship is that it puts an emphasis on going out in the world and using science to do interesting things.”

The Hertz Fellowship is awarded annually by the Fannie and John Hertz Foundation.  Each Fellowship consists of up to 5 years of academic fiscal support valued at $250,000.  The Graduate Hertz Fellowship Award is based on merit and is broken down to a cost-of-education allowance and a personal support stipend.

“Maxim and Katherine are examples of the fine scholarship of alumni of the programs of the Center for Excellence in Education,” said Joann DiGennaro, CEE’s President.  “As Hertz Fellows, they will continue to pursue answers to the ‘Big Challenges’ in science.”

About the Center for Excellence in Education

The Center for Excellence in Education was founded in 1983 by the late Admiral H.G. Rickover and Joann P. DiGennaro, President of the Center. The Center's mission is to nurture high school and university scholars to careers of excellence and leadership in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and to encourage collaboration between and among leaders in the global community. CEE sponsors the Research Science Institute (RSI), the USA Biology Olympiad (USABO), and the Teacher Enrichment Program (TEP).  For more information about the Center and its programs, visit CEE’s Web site, www.cee.org

About the Hertz Foundation

For more than half a century, the Hertz Foundation has found and supported the best and brightest graduate students in the sciences, furthering our country’s leadership in these fields. Hertz Fellows pursue a PhD in the STEM fields and follow their academic curiosity with greater financial independence. These students are chosen for their intellect, their ingenuity and their potential to make scientific advancements for the public good. The Hertz Foundation also builds a vibrant Hertz Fellows community, gathering the Fellows together at annual workshops and retreats to allow them to inspire and learn from one another across generations. For more information visit www.hertzfoundation.org and follow the Foundation on Facebook.

Sources:     Maureen Palmer, Public Affairs Manager, 703-448-9062 mpalmer@cee.org

Related websites:

Research Science Institute: http://www.cee.org/research-science-institute

USA Biology Olympiad: http://www.cee.org/usa-biology-olympiad-usabo

Teacher Enrichment Program: http://www.cee.org/teacher-enrichment-program