Carnegie Mellon University
May 20, 2020

Maxwell Wang Awarded Hertz Fellowship

By Caroline Sheedy

Jason Maderer
  • Marketing & Communications
  • 412-268-1151

The Fannie and John Hertz Foundation announced today that Maxwell Wang is one of the recipients of the 2020 Hertz Fellowship.

Wang, a M.D./Ph.D. student at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh is one of 16 researchers to receive the prestigious award, chosen from more than 800 applicants from 24 universities across the nation. Hertz Fellows receive up to five years of research funding, giving them the freedom to pursue innovative ideas.

At CMU, Wang is studying machine learning and neuroscience, working with mentors Avniel Ghuman, Max G'Sell and Rob Kass. In his current work, he is conducting research to understand how brain networks change during neuro-interventions, such as deep brain stimulation, and to link these changes to endpoints such as symptom improvement and adverse side-effect profiles. He plans to use the funding to further explore how brain functioning is assessed.

Wang began his career as an electrical engineer, earning a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Washington University in St. Louis. He said that taking a cross-disciplinary approach to research makes for better and more interesting science.

"One of the biggest advantages of this community is that people come from so many different backgrounds. You have scientists, engineers, clinicians, data scientists — the brain is where all of these fields come together, and where we can make something truly amazing happen," Wang said.

Richard Steinman, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, helped Wang with his application for the Hertz Fellowship. He said that Wang has the potential to be one of the most creative people in his generation.

"Maxwell has an uncanny ability to absorb material and suggest next steps in an experimental, design or analytical process. He is ferocious about learning and doing good," he said.

More than 50 CMU students and faculty have earned Hertz Fellowships over the years. Stephanie Wallach, and Richelle Bernazzoli of CMU's Fellowships and Scholarships Office helped Wang prepare for the extensive interview process.

"He stood out as a deeply thoughtful, creative and intellectually nimble person," Wallach said. "He has just the kind of profile that would align well with the prestigious Hertz Fellowship."

The Hertz Fellowship also provides lifelong mentoring and networking support for fellows, connecting them to a community of more than 1,200 leaders in science and technology. Wang said he has already benefited from the guidance of mentors.

"I am very thankful to the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. They both helped me tremendously. Ever since I came to Pittsburgh I've been thinking about the kinds of problems I want to tackle. What I want to accomplish in my life has completely changed since coming here, and I'm incredibly grateful for the guidance I've received," he said.