CHARLES VATH TRAVELS TO 2024 INTERNATIONAL APPLIED COMPUTATIONAL ELECTROMAGNETICS SOCIETY (ACES) SYMPOSIUM THROUGH OFFICE OF UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH SCHOLARS TRAVEL GRANT

Charles Vath Travels to 2024 International Applied Computational Electromagnetics Society (ACES) Symposium Through Office of Undergraduate Research Scholars Travel Grant

Golden, CO (May 2024)

Charles Vath, an Electrical Engineering senior, was recently awarded a Travel Grant by the Office of Undergraduate Research Scholars to present a poster at the 2024 International Applied Computational Electromagnetics Society (ACES) Symposium in Orlando, Florida this spring. Charles’ poster, titled  “An Interactive Visualization of Electrostatic Electric Field and Potential Distribution,” discussed his research on a pedagogical artifact to help engage and instruct students in electromagnetics and electrostatics. This artifact aims to facilitate learning by engaging students more effectively than conventional instruction, ultimately increasing the number of students choosing to study topics related to computational electromagnetics. Charles has been conducting this research with Dr. Atef Elsherbeni in the Electrical Engineering department over the past two years, since his sophomore year at Mines.

According to Charles, “Attending the Applied Computational Electromagnetics Society (ACES) conference in Orlando, Florida this past week facilitated great connections with innovative research and researchers. [This experience] increased not only my knowledge of computational electromagnetics, but also facilitated new insights into areas of research that I could [continue to] pursue.” 

At the ACES Symposium, Charles was co-chair of the “Application of AI in Microwave, Terahertz and Photonic Devices” session. Through this role, he gained insight into additional uses of machine learning with electromagnetics, such as in object detection. Despite the technical nature of these talks, Charles found he was able to engage with the content, in large part because the oral format of the talks facilitated understanding in ways that would be impossible when simply reading scientific papers.

For many students, one of the most impactful aspects of undergraduate research is the way in which it allows students to explore, define, and pursue their career interests and aspirations. According to Charles, his attendance at the conference provided him the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of career and research opportunities within the field of electircal engineering, and to even network with potential doctoral research advisers.

Since 2018, the Office of Undergraduate Research Scholars has awarded travel grants to 30 undergraduate students.

Any undergraduate student accepted to present their research at a scientific conference is eligible to apply for the grants. Although the Travel Grant is limited to $400, students may combine that money with conference travel funding offered through their lab, department, or other sources.

Charles Vath ’24 at the 2024 International Applied Computational Electromagnetics Society (ACES) Symposium in Orlando, Florida

Editor’s note: Charles’ story is part of a recurring feature that highlights student successes and accomplishments; demonstrates how their experience at Mines helped prepare them for future success; and demonstrates Mines’ mission of producing the talent, knowledge and solutions to serve industry and benefit society – all to create a more prosperous future. 

Learn more about Undergraduate Research Scholar Travel Grants.