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James Wang ’19, from Foster City, Calif., who is majoring in environmental science and electrical engineering, is one of 50 students nationwide honored with a Udall scholarship. He has conducted research with the Latimer Energy Lab, and currently is researching the effects of high-density traffic areas on residential health as part of the inaugural class of SCU Mapping Health Scholars.

He is the current chair for the Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (IEEE), an intern at the Center for Sustainability, and was previously an intern at Burns & McDonnell, an engineering, architecture, construction, environmental, and consulting solutions firm. He is a tour guide for the School of Engineering; a dorm counselor for the Summer Engineering Seminar; co-leader for the Solar Regatta project; a member of the University Honors Program; and a member of campus clubs EnAct and Green Club.

He plans to obtain a master’s degree in electrical engineering, where he will specialize in power systems, renewable energy, and microgrids. Eventually, he wants to restructure America’s crumbling and antiquated grid, and design and implement efficient and effective power systems that incorporate sustainable fuel sources for people in developing countries. To kickstart this goal, through the Global Social Benefit Fellowship with Miller Center, he will conduct action research in Zambia this summer with Vitalite, a social enterprise that distributes solar-powered products to the poor.

“I am incredibly honored to become a Udall scholar,” said Wang. “I have always had a passion for the environment and wanted to take action to combat climate change, and improve the world using my technical skills as an engineer. I look forward to meeting more like-minded individuals and to have the opportunity to create a sustainable impact on the world.”

Udall Scholarships pay for up to $7,000 for study, as well as a four-day networking summer orientation in Tucson, Arizona, where scholars work on environmental case studies with alumni of the program. The Udall Alumni Association consists of more than 2,000 scholars.

An excerpt from this original posting.