|
LIVERMORE, Calif. – November 20, 2007 – Ridgefield native and future physicist Matthew
Pelliccione is setting out to make a difference in this world. At only 21, he has already earned two
bachelor’s degrees (math and physics) and one master’s (physics), and is currently
pursuing a PhD in applied physics at Stanford University, using a full
five-year graduate fellowship from the prestigious Fannie and John Hertz
Foundation. “Through applied physics, I hope to learn the tools
that are necessary to make a significant contribution to solving some of the
problems that shape our world today,” Pelliccione says. “I’m interested in nanotechnology,
where devices and techniques developed on the nanoscale may open new doors for
scientists looking to address key issues such as the energy crisis.” Pelliccione is one of 15 graduate students selected
from more than 580 across the country to receive the Hertz graduate fellowship. Hertz Fellows each receive up to
$240,000 over five years to pursue their own scientific interests at top
universities in the United States.
This no-strings-attached support gives Hertz Fellows financial
independence and freedom to conduct innovative research because, unlike many
other grants, university and study choices are not limited by strict funding
requirements. “Hertz Fellows represent the very best young
scientific talent in our nation,” says John Holzrichter, PhD, Hertz Foundation
president. “These students embody
the drive and curiosity to solve the most difficult problems our world faces,
and we are pleased to support them as they grow in their chosen disciplines.” A math whiz from an early age, Pelliccione was looking
for a way to apply his math skills to physical problems. He found the right combination in the
field of applied physics. As an undergraduate at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
(RPI) in Troy, N.Y., Pelliccione focused his research efforts on condensed
matter physics, specifically in understanding the growth, characterization and
modeling of thin films. He also
studied applied mathematics, particularly the mathematics of kinetics to
understand how to efficiently model large systems of chemical reactions. Pelliccione has published five studies
based on his undergraduate research in esteemed peer-reviewed journals, and has
written a book based on his research to be published in late 2007. Pelliccione hopes to become a researcher in industry
once he receives his PhD.
“Whatever I’m doing, I hope to be working on something useful to
society, in a capacity where I can apply scientific principles to significant
problems,” he says. Also a trained violinist, Pelliccione played in the
RPI Symphony Orchestra. He enjoys
playing basketball and golf recreationally, and is a fan of both the Knicks and
the Yankees. Pelliccione graduated from Ridgefield High School in
2003, where he was salutatorian of his high school class. Among many high school honors he
received were the President’s Award for outstanding academic excellence,
subject scholar in mathematics and Spanish, and the Schlumberger-Doll
outstanding achievement award in physics. Pelliccione earned a bachelor’s degree in both
mathematics and physics from RPI in 2006, where he graduated summa cum
laude. He received a master’s in
physics from RPI in 2007. While in
college, Pelliccione received many awards, including the Rensselaer Class of
1902 Research Prize for best Undergraduate Thesis in Science and Engineering,
the Rensselaer Founder’s Award of Excellence, and was named a finalist for the
American Physical Society LeRoy Apker Award. In addition to the Hertz Fellowship, Pelliccione received a
Stanford Graduate Fellowship, and is a fellow of the National Science
Foundation. He is also a member of
Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Honor Society. Pelliccione’s mother, Louise Pelliccione, is a
secretary at Ridgebury Elementary School, Ridgefield, Conn. His father, Joseph Pelliccione, is a
civil engineer with Hallama, Pelliccione & van der Poll in Stamford,
Conn. His younger brother,
Christopher, 19, is currently studying physics at the University of Hartford,
Hartford, Conn. About
the Hertz Foundation The Fannie and John Hertz Foundation, based in
Livermore, Calif., is a tax exempt, not-for-profit organization dedicated to
the selection and support of outstanding individuals in the applied physical,
biological and engineering sciences. Founded in 1963, the Foundation’s mission is to build
America’s capacity for innovation by nurturing remarkable applied scientists
and engineers who show the most promise to change the world. It awards fellowships to an average of
15 PhD candidates every year to pursue graduate studies at the nation's finest
academic institutions. As a
result, the Hertz Foundation supports the research efforts of about 75 Fellows
at any given time. The Hertz
Fellowships are widely considered to be among the most competitive and most
prestigious offered anywhere. For
more information about the Fannie and John Hertz Foundation, as well as giving
opportunities, go to www.hertzfoundation.org.
|
