Baras, Yu win ECE Department's first Jimmy Lin Award

Professor John Baras (ECE/ISR) and his former student, ISR alumnus Paul Yu (EE Ph.D. 2008), are the first recipients of the Jimmy Lin Award for Innovation and Invention in the University of Maryland’s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. Baras and Yu won the award for their invention, "Wireless Communication Method and System for Transmission Authentication at the Physical Layer."

In 2008, Professor Emeritus Hung C. "Jimmy" Lin created and funded the Lin Fund in order to promote innovation among ECE faculty, staff, and students by stimulating, encouraging and rewarding the invention and patenting process. Professor Lin was an accomplished inventor and teacher who passed away in early 2009. He was best known for inventing the lateral transistor, which is used in most linear integrated circuits and digital integrated circuits. The Lin Award represents a lasting reminder of Dr. Lin's energy, spirit and creativity, and commitment to innovation.

The award will be presented during the Faculty Venture Fair at ECE Research Review Day on Oct. 9. The Venture Fair begins at 2:00 p.m. in the main lecture hall of the Jeong H. Kim Engineering Building. Baras will be one of the presenters at the fair.

"As engineers it is our duty to make sure that our inventions result in better lives for people," said ECE Chairman Pat O'Shea. "Professor Lin's gift will continue to reward the process of launching our inventions beyond the walls of the University, so that they can do good things for society."

Published September 24, 2009