Athena’s research involves the development of a fundamental understanding of the mechanism of a specific class of analog memristors for use in biologically realistic neuromorphic architectures. Her work links the necessary underlying materials physics (control of the thermal and chemical properties of the adaptive oxide) to the performance of the device, circuit, and application.

Obtaining linearity in the change of memristor analog resistance will be crucial to realizing neuromorphic architectures, according to Athena’s Ph.D. advisor Eric M. Vogel, Hightower Professor in the School of Materials Science & Engineering (MSE) and adjunct professor in ECE.

“I am honored to receive the IBM Research Ph.D. Fellowship and would like to thank my advisor and ECE for the nomination,” said Athena. “I look forward to collaborating with the talented researchers at IBM to augment the scope of our research.”

Since 1951, the prestigious IBM Ph.D. Fellowship Program has collaborated with faculty, students and universities by recognizing and supporting exceptional Ph.D. students that address focused areas of interest in technology.

IBM Research Fellowships last for two years. Athena will be awarded $60,000 in year one with an additional $35,000 award in year two. She is also encouraged to intern at IBM at some point during the fellowship.