Reinhard named to 2016 class of Siebel Scholars

Graduate student Karl Reinhard has been named a 2016 Siebel Scholar, a member of the first class that recognizes students in energy science.

The Siebel Scholars program recognizes exceptional students at the world’s leading graduate schools of business, computer science, and bioengineering.

"It is my great pleasure to congratulate the Siebel Scholars Class of 2016 and to welcome them to this ever-growing, lifelong community,” said Thomas M. Siebel, chairman of the Siebel Scholars Foundation. “Expanding the program into energy science accelerates the development of innovative, collaborative research to address today’s most pressing challenges.”

Reinhard said he's humbled to be selected, and looking forward to counting other scholars as colleagues.

"As a Siebel Scholar, I will have the opportunity to interact with more than 1,000 other gifted and talented men and women from diverse disciplines, who will doubtlessly expand my worldview," he said. "I look forward to representing the University of Illinois and, in particular, the College of Engineering in the Siebel Scholars community."

In 2010, Reinhard retired as a Colonel from the U.S. Army after more than 28 years service. He served as both Battalion and Group Commander in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.

His research focuses on using synchrophasor data to measure the power grid’s operating state in near-real time. Reinhard has led the 9-student Synchrophasor Data Quality research activity in the DOE-sponsored Trustworthy Cyber Infrastructure for the Power Grid (TCIPG) project. Professor Peter Sauer advises him.

Siebel Scholars are chosen by the deans of their respective schools on the basis of outstanding academic achievement and demonstrated leadership. On average, Siebel Scholars rank in the top 5 percent of their class, many within the top 1 percent. The Class of 2016 Siebel Scholars will join a vibrant community of global leaders who collaborate, communicate, and institute meaningful change.

The Siebel Scholars program was established by the Siebel Foundation in 2000 through grants to 16 universities in the United States, China, France, Italy, and Japan. Each year, top graduate students from 25 partner programs are honored as Siebel Scholars and receive a $35,000 award for their final year of studies.