A Fort Wayne Snider grad wants to use artificial intelligence in hearing aids to help those with hearing loss.
A Newburgh, Indiana, man ties a love of music with computer science and informatics.
A Bloomington woman sees technology and informatics as ways to impact environmental issues in general, animals in particular.
They are among the 2022 group of Luddy Scholars at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. They come from a variety of backgrounds with a wide range of perspectives, but they share the same dream of using technology to make a difference in the world.
“The resources at Luddy will help me pursue my dream of becoming a software engineer and inventing cutting-edge technology,” says Luddy Scholar Tommy Song, a Fort Wayne Snider graduate. “Since I have hearing loss, one of my goals is to advance artificial intelligence in hearing aids so people like me can hear better.”
Beyond that, he says, “I chose the Luddy School because of how the community is tight knitted. I like to be around people who share similar interests. With the small world here, I can use it to my advantage, and create an impact on people’s lives.”
The Luddy Scholars program, funded by part of a transformative, $60 million gift from Fred Luddy in 2019, is awarded to high-achieving students from the state of Indiana and provides exclusive opportunities for students to interact with tech leaders, faculty, and alumni to help them on their career path.
“For us, a Luddy scholar represents a bright young scholar with great academic achievements and high impact extracurricular profile,” says Esfandiar Haghverdi, executive associate dean for undergraduate education, and cybersecurity and global program director. “We are looking for students who take a holistic approach to their education and show signs of intellectual growth. They are students who pay attention to their community, peers, and world issues.
“In Luddy Scholars, we see great potential for becoming excellent academic or industry leaders and innovators who continue to pay attention to and be concerned with issues of their community, society, and the world.”
The seven 2022 scholarship recipients are Song, Newburgh’s Calvin Josenhans, Columbus’s Matei Cloteaux, Haubstadt’s Jake Romershausen, Crown Point’s Owen Harris, Bloomington’s Tea Held and Fishers’ Morgan Wood.
Song sees computer science, technology and artificial intelligence as the means to change the world for the better.
“I am truly humbled and honored to receive the scholarship. This scholarship will open many doors to new opportunities for me to grow. I’m also excited to interact and work with other Luddy students and faculty who share the same interests as I do. I very much look forward to starting my college career as a Luddy Scholar.”
Josenhans is passionate about music (the world-renowned Jacobs School of Music could be a huge resource), computer science and algorithmic problem solving.
“Being a Luddy scholar means that I’m committed to studying in the computer science/informatics field, and maintaining academic excellence,” he says. “I think the connections I gain in the Luddy school can help ensure that I find a successful career after college.”
In a world of accelerating climate change and environmental issues, Held aims to make a big impact. IU’s combination of technology and informatics through the Luddy School, plus its world-renowned school of public and environmental affairs, offers a 1-2 educational punch to well prepare Held for what’s coming.
“I want to utilize technology in an environment with wildlife and the conservation of animals,” the Bloomington, Indiana, resident says.
The Luddy School attracted her, she adds, “Because I’m very interested in technology, very interested in math.” The Luddy School offered that, plus a scholarship and proximity to home.
“I’m very grateful to have received these scholarships,” she says. “They help me do what I want to do, help me pursue my education and find a field where I can thrive.”
Romershausen’s interest in data and medicine could lead to intriguing opportunities.
“Being a Luddy scholar means that all my hard work in high school has paid off and I can continue my hard work in the Luddy program,” he says. “It also means more opportunities to work with people in the same field to learn and problem solve from each other.
“My career goals are to use data science in the medical field. Data is an important aspect of health that can be used to make decisions to impact lives. This opportunity will allow me to make connections and how to use the tools needed to change lives.”
Harris has displayed high-level technical skill in data science and computer science.
“I'm extremely thankful for the opportunity to become a Luddy Scholar,” he says. “To me, being a Luddy Scholar means to be a more dedicated student ready to take on the challenge of IU.”
Harris says the scholarship clinched his decision to choose IU.
“It offers the financial support and opportunities I needed out of a college. I think this will really help with my future in Computer Science, hopefully as a software developer.”
Cloteaux embraces the coding creativity that comes through computer science and programming.
“Being a Luddy Scholar shows me that I've been noticed and that someone out there knows that I'm bound for success,” he says.
“I'm also greatly looking forward to the knowledge and life experience I will gain through the Luddy Scholar program. I am truly thankful to have this opportunity to grow as a person.”
The goal of the Luddy Scholars ultimately is to make an impact inside and outside of the classroom.
“I hope to become a leader in tech and work to push the world forward into the digital age,” Cloteaux says. “This opportunity will be instrumental in helping me create a strong network with faculty members and future employers.”