Senior in ECE wins prestigious IEEE Power and Energy Society Plus Initiative scholarship

Ethan Hughes, a senior in electrical and computer engineering (ECE), was one of just 124 students across North America to receive a 2023-24 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Power and Energy Society Scholarship Plus Initiative award.

The initiative recognizes undergraduate ECE students with strong grade point averages with distinctive extracurricular commitments who are committed to exploring the power and energy field beyond college. Hughes, a member of the Auburn University Honors College, fits the mold. Hughes carries a 3.6 GPA, made the dean’s list for three semesters and worked three co-op rotations at Southern Company, specializing in protection and controls applications and control design – and has his sights set on continuing after graduation.

“I’m very grateful to have this honor,” said Hughes, a native of Wetumpka, Alabama. “I’m also grateful for the opportunities that I’ve had at Auburn and to work with groups who qualify me for this scholarship. At the end of the day, I wouldn’t be here without the help of others, and God, who has guided me all the way through this. I’ll be able to use these funds toward academics, further in the power industry and be an ambassador for Auburn.”

Hughes, whose family is deeply rooted in Alabama’s utilities industry, specifically Alabama Power, expects to carry on the family tradition. Not only has he worked as an HVAC/electrical technician since 2021, but co-op experience at Auburn laid the groundwork for the next level.

In two years and three co-op rotations, Hughes modeled Southern Company grid and system components in engineering hardware, calculated settings for protection relays to ensure safe and reliable operation, designed grid protection and control systems, and rendered design drawings for projects.

“Through a vetting process, co-op gives students the opportunity to see if a company is right for them beyond college,” he said. “You build interpersonal and professional relationships and having those references will definitely help you along the way. Also, the hands-on experience is important because, though school is great and that knowledge gained in Auburn Engineering is awesome, but being able to apply that in the real world while you’re still learning is invaluable.”

Applying what’s learned in the classrooms is kind of neat, too.

“There have been several times when I’ve been able to pull out my notes from a class and realize, ‘Oh, this is why we do this,’” he said. “To see why you’re learning what you’re learning is important.”