By Karyn Mitchell, University Relations intern

Spectrum Volume 17 Issue 27 - April 6, 1995

Ask Cheryl Martin why she chose to come Virginia Tech and you will see a smile appear across her face.

"My father is a Hokie and my mother is a Wahoo," she begins. "They wanted me to attend their respective alma maters. To appease them I visited both campuses. "I visited UVa., and something about it just didn't feel right." Martin continues. "But after visiting Tech's campus, I decided that this was the place for me."

Martin has been named the College of Engineering's Outstanding Student of 1995.

Martin wanted to be an electrical engineer because she was interested in science and math. In high school, she was involved in the Governor's School Program the summer before entering Virginia Tech.

She has been successful as an electrical-engineering undergraduate. She received the Herbert L. Krauss Award for having the highest overall QCA in the EE department, among rising seniors. She also recently won the George R. Powley Memorial Award as the most outstanding senior in the Bradley Department of Electrical Engineering.

Martin says two classes at Virginia Tech, Intro to Computer Engineering and Artificial Intelligence, have left a lasting impression on her. "Intro to Computer Engineering is a nightmare for most E.E.'s but it was very interesting and I loved the projects. Now for Artificial Intelligence, I had to work, but that's what I want to pursue in graduate school."

Martin wants to attend graduate school after graduation. She has been accepted at Georgia Tech and the University of Texas at Austin. She says she is awaiting response from MIT before she makes her decision. Martin aspires to teach at a college or university, and will pursue graduate work in computer engineering.

While at Virginia Tech, Martin won several awards and was a member of several honor societies. She is a member of Golden Key, Omicron Delta Kappa, Tau Beta Pi, and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies. She also served as presider of the YMCA Ecocycle Program, secretary of the Society of Women Engineers, and as a member of Virginia Tech's Solaray solar car team.

Martin, who has a minor in psychology, has maintained a 4.0 average throughout her years at Virginia Tech.