Silvia is currently working on development of a new technique for algebraic neural network training and the development of a neural network-based control system with applications to aircraft control.

Her adviser is Robert Stengel *65 *66 *68. Silvia received her bachelor of science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1997, and her Princeton master's degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering. She expects to complete her doctoral work in the summer of 2002. Previous awards include: the 2000/2001 Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship, the 1999/2000 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Guidance Navigation and Control Graduate Award, and the 1999 Luigi Crocco Prize for Assistance-in-Instruction at Princeton.

Excellence in Teaching Prize

Wilasa Vichit-Vadakan, a graduate student in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, received the Friends of International Center Excellence in Teaching Prize. This award was established last year to help celebrate the Graduate School's Centennial and is presented annually at the APGA annual Reunions dinner.

Consulting Engineers Prize

Fuat Celik '02 and Ben Markham '02, students in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, received scholarships from the Consulting Engineers Council of New Jersey.

Tau Beta Pi Scholarship

Thomas Petersen '02 has received a Tau Beta Pi scholarship. He is majoring in the Department of Electrical Engineering.

Princeton University sent a team to the Regional Student Steel Bridge Competition at Columbia University. The team, pictured above, competed but did not advance to the national level.

ORFE tops in basketball

The Department of Operations Research and Financial Engineering is tops again in basketball. The ORFE team defeated 16 other contending teams in the E-Quad basketball tournament. Team members were Akshay Mahajan '03, Jamaal McDell '01, Deeb Salem '01, graduate student Michael Spivey, Daniel Sugar '01, and Peter Yang '01.

The team representing the Department of Electrical Engineering finished second. Team members were Forrest Christo '01, George Heitz '01, Rebecca Jones '02, graduate student Eric Shaner, and graduate student Dan Wasserman.