PISCATAWAY, NJ, 10 May 1999 - The IEEE presented a $10,000 college scholarship to Michael S. Belshaw of Hamilton, Canada, at the 50th-annual Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), which was held from 2-8 May in Philadelphia, PA.

The IEEE judging team chose Michael from among 1,100 other contestants to receive the IEEE Presidents' Scholarship for his "outstanding achievement in creating a project that demonstrates an understanding of electrical engineering, information technology, or other IEEE fields of interest." Serving as judges for the IEEE were Members Don Bramlett of Detroit, MI; Peter Mauzey of Holmdel, NJ; and Barney Adler of Philadelphia, PA.

For his project, "Robotic Revolution," Michael constructed a computer-actuated robotic arm against which human beings can play Tic-Tac-Toe. "I wanted to demonstrate how, with the right computer programming, a robot can interact with its environment," he said. A high-school senior at Saint Mary Catholic Secondary School, Michael plans on studying aeronautical engineering in college.

IEEE was one of 60 associations and universities presenting at the 6 May awards ceremony. IEEE President Kenneth Laker gave the award to Michael >before a crowd of nearly 1,500 people. Other IEEE entities presenting awards were the IEEE Computer Society (six awards ranging from $100 to $500) and the IEEE Philadelphia Section (eight awards ranging from $250 to $600).

"I am proud to say that this Scholarship is the largest monetary award that is being given by an association at this year's fair," Laker said. "This, along with the other IEEE prizes, demonstrates the IEEE's strong commitment to educational excellence world wide."

The 1999 IEEE Presidents' Scholarship will be funded by President Laker's budget. For the 2000 - 2002 Intel ISEFs, the Scholarship will be funded by the IEEE Foundation.

The world's largest pre-college science competition, the Intel ISEF is often called the "Olympics" of science fairs because of its international reach and scientific breadth. It is the only global science fair representing all life sciences-from biochemistry to zoology-for students in grades nine through twelve. This year's fair drew students from 47 countries, including Brazil, Israel, Russia, South Africa, and Japan. The finalists emerged from a field of approximately one million high-school students who competed in local ISEF-affiliated science fairs in 1998-1999. Nearly half the participants in this year's fair were young women.

For more information, contact Christy Bouziotis, IEEE Educational Activities, at c.bouziotis@ieee.org.