Two doctoral students in Rice University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have received one of the most competitive honors in their field — the IEEE Solid-State Circuits Society (SSCS) Predoctoral Achievement Award. Huan-Cheng Liao and Ziyuan Wen were selected for this international recognition based on their academic excellence, research impact, and contributions aligned with the mission of the SSCS, one of the leading global societies dedicated to advancing integrated-circuit research.
The Predoctoral Achievement Award represents one of the premier distinctions within the IEEE community, recognizing emerging scholars whose work demonstrates exceptional promise and technical innovation. Rice has built a strong presence within the IEEE Solid-State Circuits Society in recent years, with nine doctoral students earning this honor since 2022 — a record that underscores the strength of the department’s integrated-circuit research programs, faculty mentorship and global standing in solid-state circuit research.
Wen received additional distinction this year as the inaugural recipient of a prize named in memory of Willy Sansen, former president of the IEEE Solid-State Circuits Society and a pioneer in analog integrated-circuit design research and education. The newly established prize honors individuals whose work exemplifies Sansen’s legacy of excellence and innovation. He previously earned the prestigious Ken Kennedy Fellowship, further highlighting his academic achievements.
Liao and Wen formally received their awards at the International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC), one of the field’s premier gatherings of researchers and industry leaders. The ceremony celebrated not only their individual accomplishments but also the broader excellence of Rice’s research community.