Three Cornell graduate students are among 27 awardees of the 2010-11 Intel Ph.D. Fellowship Program, which has contributed more than $1 million to support top doctoral candidates across the nation for one year of research.

Lucian Leahu, in the field of computing and information science, works with associate professor Phoebe Sengers. Leahu's work advances new forms of technologies sensitive to real-world phenomena by infusing computational approaches with socio-cultural insights about human behavior and social life. His thesis system explores the relationship between technical innovation and the way people think about and experience their emotion.

Steven Tin, in the field of electrical and computer engineering, works with associate professor Amit Lal. Tin studies applications of radioisotope energy for electron beam lithography and long-lifetime power generation in the SonicMEMS group headed by Lal. The radioisotopes Tin uses can provide low-cost, high-throughput electron beam lithography. The electron energy is also utilized to power wireless sensors that can work for decades without battery change for structural and environmental sensing and monitoring.

Shuang Zhao, in the field of computer science, works with associate professor Kavita Bala. Zhao, who was also an Intel winner last year, researches synthesizing photo-realistic images. Among his interests are rendering, real-time rendering and global illumination.

The prestigious award chooses students who are considered leaders in their field, and who come recommended by their university and/or industry partners.

More information: http://blogs.intel.com/research/2010/09/congratulations_to_the_2010_in.php.