Innomotics and the University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering are thrilled to announce Josh Samuel Lubin as the recipient of the 2024 Peter Hammond Scholarship. A master’s student in engineering at the University of Pittsburgh Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Lubin has been selected to receive the scholarship for $10,000. Now in its fifth year, this award is presented to outstanding graduate students pursuing studies in electrical engineering, exemplifying both academic excellence and innovative research.

“I am very proud to receive this scholarship,” Lubin said. “It will further drive my current research and inspire me to produce results that can push the field of electrical engineering in a positive direction.”

Lubin, an exemplary student with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, has demonstrated remarkable dedication and innovation in his field. With impressive academic marks and consistent Dean's List honors throughout his undergraduate education, Lubin’s academic achievements are commendable. His involvement in groundbreaking research regarding permanent magnet motors without the use of rare earth metals showcases his commitment to advancing sustainable engineering solutions. This research, significant for its potential impact on the electric vehicle market, illustrates Lubin’s forward-thinking approach and his potential to contribute significantly to the engineering community.

"We are incredibly excited about this scholarship and the opportunity it will provide for a graduate student studying electric power engineering at the Swanson School of Engineering," said Kevin Wissner, Director of Research & Development at Innomotics based in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. "Our dedication to fostering local talent and future engineering pioneers is at the heart of this scholarship fund. The initiative is one of many ways we strive to contribute to the development of the engineering field and support the cultivation of young, innovative minds.”

Lubin’s work, particularly his thesis on the effects of faults on the demagnetization in motors, is poised to offer valuable insights into the reliability and efficiency of permanent magnet motors. Additionally, this research and Lubin’s passion for the topic aligns perfectly with Innomotics' commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of engineers in overcoming challenges in the field of electrical engineering.

In addition to his rigorous academic pursuits, Lubin has engaged in practical engineering experiences, from co-op positions to leadership roles in engineering clubs and competitions, further demonstrating his hands-on approach and leadership skills in the engineering domain.

“What Josh is doing now is reflective of what Innomotics is looking for in future engineers as part of their business units,” says Brandon Grainger, associate director of the Energy GRID Institute, Eaton Faculty Fellow, and associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at the Swanson School. “His research in permanent magnet-based motor drives is making an impact in the electric power industry space including renewable energy and electric vehicle markets. A university who develops strong company collaborations like this will find it instrumental in implementing novel ideas to benefit people in society and helps bring confidence that projects will be almost 100 percent successful. Technology-to-market strategies are critical for any investment being made in new technology directions.”

As the University of Pittsburgh and Innomotics continue their partnership to empower future engineers, Lubin's achievements and potential underscore the significance of this scholarship in cultivating the talents of those who will drive innovation and advancement in the engineering field. Innomotics continues to work closely with the local community and institutions to bolster the growth and advancement of future engineers by alleviating financial barriers. Recognizing the increasing demand for engineers in the modern world, this concrete step is designed to invest in this the future workforce. The scholarship intends to not only support the academic pursuits of promising engineering students but also encourages innovative thinking and problem-solving skills among the beneficiaries.