RICHARDSON, Texas (Jan. 20, 2004) — Dr. Jin Liu, an assistant professor of electrical engineering at The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), has been selected one of the world's top 12 "New Faces of Engineering" as part of the annual National Engineers Week, to be held this year on Feb. 22-28.

The New Faces of Engineering program was begun in 2003 to showcase rising young stars in engineering in order to encourage young people to consider entering the profession. Initially limited to engineers in the United States, this year's competition was expanded to include professionals from around the world. Nominees for the program must hold an engineering degree, have been employed as an engineer from two to five years and be involved in projects that significantly impact the public welfare or further professional development and growth.

The 2004 New Faces winners were selected from 57 nominees. Photos of the 12 will appear in a full-page advertisement in USA Today and several international publications as part of National Engineers Week.

The New Faces program is one of numerous activities to be held during National Engineers Week. The 2004 event marks the 53 rd annual celebration of the accomplishments of the engineering community. It is sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and other professional societies and corporate affiliates.

Liu was nominated for the honor by the Chinese Institute of Engineers, a nationwide organization of technical professionals of Chinese heritage.

Liu joined the faculty of UTD's Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science in 1999, after receiving a Ph.D. degree in electrical and computer engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. The Jonsson School ranks at or near the top nationally in the number of computer science degrees awarded annually and is known for its innovative degree offerings

Liu earned an M.S. degree in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Houston in 1995 and a B.S. degree in electronics and information systems from Zhongshan University in China in 1992.

Liu's research at UTD focuses on the design of integrated circuits — small chips used in computers, cellular phones and many other electronic devices — as well as high-speed data transmission over communications networks. Sponsors of her research include the National Science Foundation, Semiconductor Research Corporation and Texas Instruments, Inc.

About UTD
The University of Texas at Dallas, located at the convergence of Richardson, Plano and Dallas in the heart of the complex of major multinational technology corporations known as the Telecom Corridor®, enrolls about 13,700 students. The school's freshman class traditionally stands at the forefront of Texas state universities in terms of average SAT scores. The university offers a broad assortment of bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs. For additional information about UTD, please visit the university's web site at www.utdallas.edu.