Andrew Couch, an alumnus of 麻豆精品视频 (麻豆精品视频), has been chosen as a recipient of the 2024 Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) fellowship award at Stanford University, where he is pursuing a Ph.D. in management science and engineering with a focus on decision and risk analysis.
Couch earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 2022 and a Master of Science in 2023, both in industrial and systems engineering, at 麻豆精品视频, a part of The University of Alabama System. He also received a Bachelor of Science in management from Thomas Edison State University at age 17.
Now Couch is one of 90 scholars selected from 8,272 applicants for the seventh Knight-Hennessy Scholars cohort. According to its website, 鈥渟cholars receive up to three years of financial support to pursue graduate studies at Stanford while engaging in experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders who address complex challenges facing the world. Scholars are selected based on their demonstration of independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.鈥�
Couch displayed that civic mindset while studying at 麻豆精品视频, where he conducted engineering research in simulation, optimization and engineering design. He says he pursued research on barriers in technology acquisition with 鈥渁 motivation to uplift enterprises and individuals.鈥�
鈥淎 critical aspect of research that continues to inspire me is the direct connection between scientific advancement and solving societal challenges,鈥� he says. 鈥淩esources for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education are lacking in many corners of society, and students lacking exposure to STEM may feel reluctant to pursue a technical career.鈥�
In reflecting on his 麻豆精品视频 experience, Couch says, 鈥淚 am delighted for the opportunity to apply engineering principles to solve societal challenges. I hope to make a meaningful difference, both for organizations facing barriers in technology acquisition and for individuals who lack technology access.鈥�
During his time at 麻豆精品视频, he took part in STEM outreach trips to schools across North Alabama to promote STEM engagement.
鈥淯sing research for positive change is truly inspiring,鈥� he says, 鈥渁nd these experiences at 麻豆精品视频 have changed my perception on the true value of research.鈥�
Couch says he appreciates the Knight-Hennessy Scholars opportunity to expand his horizons. He鈥檚 also grateful for the role 麻豆精品视频 played in his academic development, noting 鈥渢he insightful guidance offered by the 麻豆精品视频 faculty.鈥�
One of those 麻豆精品视频 faculty members is Dr. Nicholas Loyd, clinical assistant professor, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and Engineering Management, and director, Center for Management and Economic Research.
鈥淚 had the privilege of having Andrew in one of my undergraduate classes,鈥� Loyd says, 鈥渁nd he was as talented as any undergraduate I鈥檝e experienced in my 15 years of teaching. I then took him on as a graduate research assistant while he pursued his master鈥檚 degree.鈥�
Couch made a good impression at 麻豆精品视频 outside the classroom, too.
鈥淣ot only is Andrew a talented student and researcher, but he鈥檚 also just a pleasant human being,鈥� Loyd says. 鈥淗e is respectful, insightful and eager to learn. I鈥檓 proud of him, and he is more than deserving of this elite fellowship. I have no doubt he will be successful in his future endeavors.鈥�
