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JEB STENHOUSE -- The Flat Hat
Hanley Chiang, Thomas Jefferson Prize recipient
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Award recipient balances academics, activities
By Maria Hegstad
Flat Hat Staff Writer
To say that junior Hanley Chiang was surprised when he received one of the College's top honors, the Thomas Jefferson Prize in Natural Philosophy, is an understatement.
"I felt really honored to receive the award," Chiang said. "It was a tremendous surprise because I really don't consider myself that unique."
Chiang considers himself just one among many who deserve the honor. He's quick to point out that "there are so many students at William and Mary that deserve recognition of their achievements on behalf of the College."
In some ways, Chiang may be an average College student. He finds "time a daily issue in life," thinks the new addition to Swem is "a good improvement" and he worries about his grades, though he "really think[s] that grades should be a secondary consideration in education."
But in one very important way, Chiang is quite unique. The Thomas Jefferson Prize, given out on Charter Day, is awarded to a someone who, in Chiang's words, is "a student concentrating in the sciences who has distinguished himself or herself by superior academic performance and demonstrated future potential."
Chiang fits the bill, according to Ferguson Professor of Mathematics Chi-Kwong Li, who nominated him for the Jefferson Prize. Chiang's double major in mathematics and economics alone is a little unusual in the College's population of predominantly liberal arts majors. He carries a 4.0 grade point average overall.
"I really enjoy mathematics," Chiang said. "In many ways, it's a beautiful subject. There's an elegance in mathematical proofs. Also, it's very useful for econ."
Chiang tests his mathematical skills regularly. He has completed two papers with Li, one in linear operations and one in matrix theory. Last summer he worked as a research assistant to Cummings Professor of Economics William Rogers, studying the effects of the federal minimum wage on hunger in the United States. This semester, Chiang is assisting economics professor Eric Jensen on a paper examining the effect of migration on fertility in the Philippines.
"He's doing heavy-duty statistical work," Jensen said, who taught two of Chiang's econometrics courses. "He's one of those really exceptional individuals ‹ he's committed. He really cares about the stuff he's working on."
Statistics and research papers are far from Chiang's only areas of work. He's been a member of the Judicial Council since his sophomore year, and co-chairs the council this year. He volunteers with the Avalon helpline, providing a friendly ear to victims of domestic abuse. He ran the Hunger Awareness Taskforce's Hunger Banquet this semester. Despite his busy schedule, Chiang describes his volunteer activities as "a way to relax from studying."
Chiang's quintessential modesty is "part of his charm," according to Jensen. It may explain why Chiang is probably the only Jefferson recipient who has been surprised upon receiving the award.
"It's quite a unique experience to be on stage instead of in front of it," Chiang said. "But it was really exciting to walk up as the William and Mary hymn is being sung. I wish every student could be recognized like this."
Chiang is still considering several different options for the future. He has applied for a summer internship with the World Bank, and is waiting for their response. He also has to complete his Monroe project this summer, and though he hasn't figured out the project's details yet, he'd like to use his Monroe funds for some kind of volunteer initiative. After graduation in 2003, he plans to attend graduate school in economics. He hopes to take a Ph.D. and become a professor, hopefully "at a college like William and Mary."
"He's a guy that strikes me as [a person about whom] I'll say, 'I knew him when ... he was an undergrad,'" Jensen said.
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