<p>UD student named 2006 Truman Scholar</p>
<p>4:11 p.m., April 14, 2006--Ming-Jay Shiao, a senior electrical engineering major from Stow, Ohio, has been named a 2006 Truman Scholar, *becoming the sixth University of Delaware student to win the award in the last five years and bringing to 16 the number of UD students who have earned the prestigious title since it was founded three decades ago. *</p>
<p>The scholarship provides $30,000 for graduate study. Scholars also receive priority admission and supplemental financial aid at some premier graduate institutions, leadership training, career and graduate school counseling and special internship opportunities within the federal government. Recipients must be U.S. citizens, have outstanding leadership potential and communication skills, be in the top quarter of their class and be committed to careers in government or the not-for-profit sector.</p>
<p>I was absolutely overwhelmed and shocked when I heard that I had won, Shiao said. The Truman scholarship had been on my mind for a long time. I was hopeful, but the competitive nature of the scholarship is daunting. I'm still pleasantly surprised, in awe, and very thankful for all the guidance from my advisers, faculty, family and friends.</p>
<p>Driven by his experience as a volunteer in impoverished communities in South Africa, Shiao said he is planning to study energy and environmental policy in graduate school, so that he can pursue his interest in the implementation of renewable energy technologies in less-developed regions of the world.</p>
<p>Two billion people worldwide are without reliable electricity, Shiao said. Renewable sources of energy, especially solar technologies, provide a solution that can raise the standard of health and education in these areas. Yet, many policymakers are misinformed about the current and potential state of these technologies. I hope that my technical background in electrical engineering and my desire to influence policy will bridge the gap between technical research and social implementation.</p>
<p>Shiao said the Truman scholarship, which is geared toward people who want to influence policy and, therefore, provides many resources and connections with people who are already in the policy area, is like a foot in the door with red ruby slippers.</p>
<p>Shiao will be among 75 students from 63 U.S. colleges and universities who will receive the awards during a formal ceremony on Sunday, May 21, at the Truman Library in Independence, Mo., after attending the Truman Scholars Leadership Week at William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo.</p>
<p>A UD Blue Hen Ambassador and Spirit Ambassador, Shiao is a member of Phi Mu Alpha, a fraternity for men in music, and a member of the Battle for Life committee of the Alpha Lambda Delta honor society, whose mission is to promote awareness about and raise funds to combat socioeconomic disparities in South Africa. He is a writing tutor at the UD's Writing Center and controller of the Allocations Board, which funds student organizations.</p>
<p>In the remaining time that is not demanded by my girlfriend, which is not much, I enjoy video gaming, especially playing Super Smash Brothers with my roommates, crocheting, reading, rocking out to U2 and exploring University of Delaware buildings, Shiao said.</p>
<p>Shiao said he is indebted to his parents, Shih-Yung and Grace, who emphasized education and hard work through their own lives--they have four bachelor's degrees, four master's degrees and a doctorate between them--and have always encouraged me despite their own reservations, he said.</p>
<p>I also owe a great deal to my advisers, Ms. Katherine Kerrane and Mr. Raymond Peters, without whom I would have never made it through the application and interview process. I would also like to thank my research advisor, Dr. Allen Barnett, and my professor, Dr. John Byrne, both of whom helped a great deal in guiding me and developing my academic interests. Also, Dr. Devon Miller-Duggan, who has been a mom away from home to me, and Ms. Susan Lister, who has supported me tremendously.</p>
<p>Katharine Kerrane, senior associate director of UD's Honors Program, said Shiao is very impressive student who combines substantial technical know-how in electrical engineering and solar cell technology with public policy interests.</p>
<p>It's admirable that he wants to put his talents to use in developing sustainable alternative energy sources, particularly at a time when sustainable development in this area is so critical, Kerrane said. Ming-Jay has benefited from opportunities to conduct research in Thailand and here at Delaware, where he is working with the high-efficiency solar cell program.</p>
<p>Last year, Kerrane was honored along with 15 other scholarship advisers for their efforts and success in preparing Truman Scholars.</p>
<p>In 2004, UD was one of only three institutions that were recognized as a Truman Foundation Honor Institution, joining a select group of institutions that have received the honor in the foundation's 31-year history. Past recipients include Columbia, Duke, Georgetown, Harvard, Princeton and Yale universities.</p>
<p>Selection of UD as an Honor Institution was based on the University's active encouragement of outstanding young people to pursue careers in public service, its sustained success in helping its students win Truman Scholarships and having a current Truman Scholar.</p>
<p>The Truman Scholarship Foundation was established by Congress in 1975 as the federal memorial to the 33rd president. Since the first awards were made in 1977, there have been 2,480 Truman Scholars selected.</p>
<p>This year's 75 Truman Scholars were selected from among 598 candidates nominated by 311 colleges and universities. Each selection panel interviewed finalists from a three- to four-state region and generally elected one scholar from each state and one or two at-large scholars from the region. Each panel typically included a university president, a federal judge, a distinguished public servant and a past Truman Scholarship winner.</p>