PhD Awards
2025 Best Dissertation Award
The William F. Ballhaus, Jr. Prize for Excellence in Graduate Engineering Research is the Viterbi School’s Best Dissertation Award.
Best Dissertation Symposium
Date: May 13, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: TBA
A complete nomination submission consists of:
- Completing the 2025 Best Dissertation Award form with the Student Nominee's Information
- Uploading the student's CV, Letter of Recommendation, and Dissertation
- Uploading a 5-minute video from the student describing their dissertation research
When nominating students for this award, please consider the following:
- The candidate(s) must have a graduation term of Summer 2024, Fall 2024, or Spring 2025.
- Candidates with a Summer 2025 graduation term will be eligible for the Best Dissertation Award during the Spring 2026 consideration period.
- Each postcode is eligible for one nomination.
- Candidates must defend and submit required paperwork and obtain the committee’s approval by the first week of April.
- Exception: Computer Science will receive 2 nominations, and the ECE department that has 2 postcodes, but will receive 3 total nominations.
2025 Best Dissertation Award Additional Information:
- The candidate must be able to present during the Best Dissertation Symposium (date TBA)
- The winner will be announced at the PhD Hooding Ceremony on May 14, 2025