PhD candidate Yutong Xie earns 2024 Barbour Scholarship

University of Michigan School of Information doctoral candidate Yutong Xie has earned a 2024 Barbour Scholarship from the Rackham Graduate School. 

The scholarship is awarded to PhD candidates who represent the “highest academic and professional caliber” studying modern science, medicine, mathematics and other academic disciplines and professions. It is reserved for students who are citizens in countries extending from Turkey in the west to Japan and the Philippines in the east. 

“Receiving the Barbour Scholarship marks a pivotal moment in the final stage of my Ph.D. journey at UMSI,” Xie says. “It's an incredible support that allows me to dive deep into my research, bringing me closer to achieving my academic goals. This acknowledgment also greatly boosts my motivation to keep pushing forward with my research interests.” 

The scholarship covers full tuition and required fees for one year and a stipend of $36,084. Xie is a fourth year PhD student. She is expected to graduate April 2025. 

Xie’s research explores the relationship between artificial intelligence and humans and explores opportunities for innovation. Her dissertation advisor is UMSI professor Qiaozhu Mei. 

"As Yutong's advisor, I have had the fortunate opportunity to witness her transformation from an outstanding doctoral candidate into a rising star in her field,” Mei says. “Receiving the Barbour's scholarship is not only a testimony for Yutong's current achievements but also serves as a catalyst, inspiring and empowering her to delve deeper into an already promising academic career." 

Before joining UMSI, Xie earned her bachelor’s degree in computer science from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. After graduation, she hopes to continue her research on AI.

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Learn more about Yutong Xie’s research and interest at UMSI. 

Apply to UMSI’s PhD in Information today!