The Beranek Student Medal

Established with the INCE Foundation to support Education in Noise Control Engineering

The Leo Beranek Medal was established by the Board of Directors of INCE/USA on October 24, 2010 to recognize excellence in the study of Noise Control Engineering. It is awarded annually to outstanding undergraduate and graduate students at those academic institutions in North America that have courses in, or related to, Noise Control Engineering, including practical applications.

"Student contributions to the betterment of techniques for the control of noise in buildings, vehicles and outdoors, and of means for reducing noise produced by any loud source is readily sought and will now be recognized by this Student Medal. I am proud to be namesake for this important student award."  - Leo Beranek

Page Shortcuts

• Nomination and Selection Process
• About Leo Beranek
• List of Awardees

Nomination and Selection Process

Candidates for the Beranek Student Medal are selected by their respective academic institutions and nominated by a member of the faculty. An institution may submit up to two nominations per calendar year, one for a student who graduated (or will be graduating) with a baccalaureate degree and one for a student who graduated (or will be graduating) with a graduate degree. The INCE-USA Vice President for Student Activities and Education, together with a Student Activities Committee, reviews nominations and selects awardees based on documented evidence of excellence in the study of Noise Control Engineering.

Forms for nomination

Two forms are required in order to nominate candidates for the Beranek Student Medal; they are available from the INCE Business Office (IBO).

1. The "Institution Form" establishes those courses in, or related to, noise control that are offered by the Academic Institution wishing to nominate a candidate. The Institution Form is required only once and may be updated when necessary.
2. A separate "Nomination Form" is required for each candidate nominated by the faculty.

The forms are prepared by the nominating faculty member and are to be submitted to the IBO.

Awarding the Beranek Student Medal

Awardees are invited, but not required, to attend the next NOISECON Conference or Internoise Congress (in North America) to receive the Award. Alternatively, if requested by the nominating faculty member, Awards may be presented at the Awardees’ institution (for example, at the graduation ceremony). In the latter case, an appropriate announcement will be made at the next Noise-Con Conference or INTER-NOISE Congress (in North America). Photographs of Awardees and a description of the work for which they were awarded will be included in an issue of Noise/News International.

About Leo Beranek

Adventures in Noise Control Engineering

Noise control has been an important part of my life as evidenced by my various books on noise reduction and noise and vibration control. I designed the world’s largest muffler that reduced incredibly loud noise and vibration from the test setup for supersonic jet engines at the Cleveland NASA Flight Propulsion Laboratory. This was followed by my participation in the setting of limits to noise produced by jet-propelled aircraft in neighborhoods around JFK Airport in New York. A major effort of mine was devising charts and procedures for determining acceptable noise levels in indoor spaces—offices, living quarters, schools, hospitals, and so forth. Another area that I undertook early on was the reduction of noise in heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems. I tell the stories of these efforts in my autobiography, Riding The Waves (MIT Press, 2008). - Leo Beranek

Additional information about Leo Beranek is available at the below links.

http://www.aip.org/history/ohilist/5191.html
http://www.ieeeghn.org/wiki/index.php/Oral-History:Leo_Beranek_%281996%29

List of Awardees of the Beranek Student Medal

2024, Graduate Studies

• Gabriel Weeldreyer, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  Spatial hearing in simulated reverberant classroom environments
• Xinqi Wei, University of Texas Arlington
  Fault diagnosis of drivetrain systems based on vibration signals and convolutional neural networks
• Guochenhao Song, Purdue University
  Acoustic measurement of super-small-particle-filtering stainless steel wire cloths
• Hao Zhou, University of Kentucky
  Physics-guided modeling of acoustic environments using limited spatio-spectro-temporal data

2024, Undergraduate Studies

• Francisco Aguilera Dias, University of Texas Arlington
  Fault diagnosis of drivetrain systems based on vibration signals and convolutional neural networks
• Ruxin Li, Purdue University
  Ultrasound phased arrays for localized and customized parametric speakers

2023, Graduate Studies

• Kenton Hummel, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  Analyzing fluctuating soundscapes using machine learning
• Srinivasa-Rao Ippili, University of Kentucky
  Vector based acoustic sensing for mechanical fault diagnosis through convolutional neural networks
• Amulya Lomte, Wichita State University
  Acoustic properties of stepwise gradient microstructures for liner applications
• Mylan Cook, Brigham Young University
  Physics-guided modeling of acoustic environments using limited spatio-spectro-temporal data
• Jack Case, The Pennsylvania State University
  Photoacoustic measurement of the optical absorption of aerosolsMartin Hirschorn IAC prize
• Yongjie Zhuang, Purdue University
  Efficient active noise control filter design and implementation

2023, Undergraduate Studies

• Carson Cunningham, Brigham Young University
  Acoustical measurements and analysis of the Space Launch System's Artemis-I mission
• Bret Jonson, University of Texas at Arlington
  Implementing Sound Dampening for Autonomous Vehicle Computers
• Ross Everett, University of Texas at Arlington
  Implementing Sound Dampening for Autonomous Vehicle Computers

2022, Graduate Studies

• Ting-Wei Liu, Purdue University
  Topological elastic metameterials: design, simulation, and experimental validation
• Carter Allen Paprocki, Michigan Technological University
  Characterizing flow noise in hydraulic valves
• Jack Taylor, Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute
  Inversion of bending wave properties of visco-elastic panels from laser Doppler vibrometer
• Sean Collier, The Pennsylvania State University
  Increased efficacy, usability, and understanding of phase-based optical flow for structural acoustics applications
• Samuel Underwood, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  Applications of building information modeling software to HVAC noise prediction

2022, Undergraduate Studies

• Manya Singh, The University of Texas at Arlington
  Soundproofing design for autonomous electric vehicle

2021, Graduate Studies

• Haitian Hao, Purdue University
  Solid-state thermoacoustics: theory, design, and optimization
• Steven Whitaker, Michigan Technological University
  Deep recurrent network for tracking an anthropogenic acoustics source in shallow water using a single sensor

2021, Undergraduate Studies

• Nathan Ramsey, Georgia Institute of Technology
  Performance of an in-line syntactic-foam device for control of water hammer and fluid-borne noise

2020

• Keyu Chen, The University of Kentucky
  Numerical and Experimental Studies of Blocked Force Determination on an Offset Interface for Plate and Shell Structures and Duct Acoustic Systems
• Guo Long, The University of Cincinnati
  Sub-band Adaptive Filtering for Active Broadband Noise Control with Application to Road Noise Inside Vehicles
• Chia-Ching Lin, The University of Texas
  Hypoid Gear Noise and Vibration Control in Automotive Rear Axle Systems
• Walker Nelson, Michigan Technological University
  Design of Carbon Nanotube Thermophone Enclosures for Increased Robustness
• Suraj Prabhu, Michigan Technological University
  Multi-Physics Modeling of Coaxial Carbon Nanotube Loudspeakers for Active Noise Cancellation in Vehicle Exhaust Systems
• Elspeth Anna Wing, Purdue University
  Investigation into the Acoustical Mechanism of the Clapping Circle at Purdue University
• Yoshimi Hasegawa, The University of Nebraska
  Relating Acoustics to Human Responses in Pediatric/Neonatal Hospital Unites with Unsupervised Learning Techniques?
• Weonchan Sung, Purdue University
  Sound Quality Evaluation of Residential HVAC&R Equipment

2019, Graduate Studies

• Jay Michael Bliefnick, University of Nebraska
  Evaluation of Hospital Soundscapes to Improve Patient and Staff Experience
• Gong Cheng, University of Kentucky
  Determination of Acoustic Emissions using Panel Contribution Analysis and Scale Modeling
• Sunit Girdhar, Michigan Tech University
  Improved Low-Frequency Impact Insulation Class Measurements Based on Comparison Techniques
• Ashish Dev Kotian, University of Texas at Arlington
  Design, Fabrication, and Testing of mufflers for FSAE Cars
• Max Miller, III, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  Beyond Dynamic Mechanical Analysis, High Frequency Viscoelastic Material Characterization
• Kyle Ritchie, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  Uncertainties and interdependence of porous parameters using Bayesian model-based analysis

?2019, Undergraduate Studies

• Joshua Langlois, Michigan Tech University
  Signal Processing for Carbon Nanotube Speakers
• Samuel Underwood, University of Nebraska
  Comparisons of measured sound power levels across octave bands gathered from different methods and labs
• Ethan Wagner, University of Hartford
  Improving autonomous vehicle safety - The use of convolutional neural networks for the detection of warning sounds

2018, Graduate Studies

• Yiming Wang, Purdue University
  Propagation of En-Route Aircraft Noise
• Michael Rose, Brigham Young University
  A Quieter Vacuum-Assisted Toilet
• Steven Senczyszyn, Michigan Technological University
  Commercialization of th eCarbon Nanotube Thermophone for Active Noise Control Applications

?2018, Undergraduate Studies

• Alexander Aquila and Jarrett Lagler (Jointly awarded), University of Hartford
  Assessing the acoustic transparency of materials in the ultrasonic range
• Aaron Vaughn, Brigham Young University
  Empriacal Modeling of Laboratory and Full-Scale Jet Noise Spectra

2017, Graduate Studies

• Mahsa Asgarisbet, Michigan Tech University
  Measurement of carbon nanotube loudspeaker source plane characteristics using nearfield acoustic holography
• Rui Cao, Purdue University
  Wave propagation in tires with an emphasis on in-plane shearing modes
• Blaine M. Harker, Brigham Young University
  Analytical source models of the noise radiated by military jet aircraft
• Gil Jun Lee, University of Cincinnati
  Design and Analysis of a Novel Squeak Test Apparatus Developed for Objective Rating of Squeak Propensity and Its Application
• Kangping Ruan, University of Kentucky
  Advanced Studies on Computing Sound Attenuation through HVAC Ductwork using Simulation and Scale Modeling

2017, Undergraduate Studies

• Brenna Boyd, University of Nebraska
  Measurements and player surveys of crowd noise levels during college hockey games
• Anna Elefante, University of Hartford
  Towards Using Acoustic Waves as a Therapeutic Tool for Osteogenic Differentiation
• Caleb B. Goates, Brigham Young University
  Bandwidth extension of acoustic beamforming using phase unwrapping and array interpolation
• Lauren Seibert, University of Cincinnati
  Sound power ranking of circular saw blades
• Lucas Shearer, University of Hartford
  Towards Using Acoustic Waves as a Therapeutic Tool for Osteogenic Differentiation
• Weimen Thor, Purdue University
  A desktop procedure for measuring the transmission loss of automotive door seals
• Stephania Vaglica, Michigan Tech
  Evaluating surrogate materials for carbon nanotube thermophone speakers

2016, Graduate Studies

• Troy M. Bouman, Michigan Technological University
  True efficiency and harmonic distortion of carbon nanotube thin-film loudspeakers
• Tao Feng, University of Cincinnati
  Advanced Active Control of Vehicle Powertrain and Road Noise
• Yangfan Liu, Purdue University
  Simulation of sound fields radiated by finite-size sources in room environments by using equivalent source models: three-dimensional validation
• Joseph A. Plattenburg, Ohio State University
  Analytical Vibration Models For Plates and Shells with Combined Active and Passive Damping
• Peng Wang, University of Kentucky
  Impedance-to-Scattering Matrix Method for Large Silencer Analysis

2016, Undergraduate Studies

• Joel Bruns, Ohio State University
  Development of a Model-Based Exhaust Isolation System Design Procedure with a Focus on the Interfacial Dynamics
• Anna Catton, Michigan Technological University
  Design of a new drive speaker system for extension of low frequency diffuse field in a reverberant test chamber
• Sean Hughes, University of Cincinnati
  Acoustics

2015, Graduate Studies

• Pegah Aslani, Brigham Young University
  Active Control of Sound Radiated From Cylindrical Shells
• Rajavel Balaguru, Stevens Institute of Technology
  Acoustical Studies on Corrugated Tubes
• Matthew G. Blevins, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
  Optimizing Transmission Loss of Membrane-Type Acoustic Metamaterials
• Philip A. Feurtado, Pennsylvania State University
  Quiet structure design using embedded acoustic black holes
• Luke Fredette, Ohio State University
  Dynamic Analysis of Hydraulic Bushings with Measured Nonlinear Compliance Parameters
• Yitian Zhang, University of Kentucky
  Assessing the Effects of Impedance Modifications using the Moebius Transformation

2015, Undergraduate Studies

• Christopher J. Cutler, University of Hartford
  Statistical assessment of road traffic noise by using time-history patterns and long-term noise measurements
• Christopher Kezon, Columbia College Chicago
  Acoustical Analysis of St. Stephen's Church
• Xianpai Zeng, Ohio State University
  An independent study that attempts to improve vibration isolation effectiveness of electric vehicle powertrains
• Xin Yan (Kevin) Zheng, University of Hartford
  Statistical assessment of road traffic noise by using time-history patterns and long-term noise measurements

2014, Graduate Studies

• Daniel R. Marquez, Brigham Young University
  Estimating the acoustic power of sources in non-ideal enclosures
• Guohua Sun, University of Cincinnati
  Active Control of Impact Acoustic Noise
• Joonhee Lee, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
  Application of Assorted Tonality Metrics to Human Annoyance Thresholds of Tones in Noise
• Bao N. Tong, Purdue University
  Propagation of Noise from En-Route Aircraft
• Michael D. Krak, Ohio State University
  Transient Behavior of Torsional Systems with Multiple Clearance Nonlinearities
• Micah R. Shepherd, Penn State University
  Structural-acoustic optimization of structures excited by turbulent boundary layer flow
• Cameron Jeff Fackler, Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute
  Bayesian model selection for analysis and design of multilayered sound absorbing materials using transfer function impedance method
• Ashwin Thomas, Georgia Institute of Technology
  Simulated and Laboratory Models of Aircraft Sound Transmission in Residences

2014, Undergraduate Studies

• Jazmin Myres, Brigham Young University
  Creation of complex partial fields through overlapping, scan-based pressure measurements
• Alexandra Maddox, University of Cincinnati
  Predicting pressure between the vocal folds using Bernoulli’s equation
• Michael Ippolito, Georgia Institute of Technology
  Development of removable, temporary tuned mass/shot mass damper treatment
• Adam Lawrence Paul, University of Hartford
  Contribution of Floor Treatment Characteristics to Background Noise Levels in Health Care Facilities
• David A. Arena, University of Hartford
  Contribution of Floor Treatment Characteristics to Background Noise Levels in Health Care Facilities
• Yutong Xue, Purdue University
  Design guidelines for new generation micro-perforated sound absorbers
• John A. Scheick, Ohio State University
  Radiated Gear Noise from Multi-Mesh Parallel Axis Gears
• Matthew Todd Neal, Pennsylvania State University
  Geothermal Redesign of the Gaige Building

2013, Graduate Studies

• Glenn Pietila, University of Cincinnati
  Adaptive jury analysis method to improve commonly used Bradley-Terry model for sound quality assessment, including development of a nested artificial neural network to improve interpretation of paired comparison results
• Xin Hua, University of Kentucky
  TL modeling of diesel particulate filters, developing backings for microperforated panels to optimize absorption and practical considerations in the two-load measurement method for determining muffler/silencer transmission loss
• Zhao Peng, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
  Study of noise effect on speech comprehension of native English speakers and ESL speakers
• Hongdan Tao, Purdue University
  More versatile numeric method to calculate sound propagation in a complex outdoor environment; Thesis "A hybrid parabolic equation/finite element approach for predicting sound propagation over porous interfaces"
• Jared Liette, Ohio State University
  Active engine mount project to provide 10 dB noise reduction; thesis study Interaction between Multiple Active Structural Paths in a Vibratory Source-Path-Receiver System
• Andrew W. Christian, Pennsylvania State University
  Study on minimizing impact of military aircraft noise on communities near air bases, incorporating evolutionary algorithm approach to flight paths to determinal miminal impact to surrounding population
• Samuel Clapp, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  Thesis: Applying Multi-Channel Microphone and Loudspeaker Systems to 3-D Sound Field Analysis and Perceptual Evaluation of Concert Halls; design/construction of 16 channel ambisonics microphone
• Shima Shahab, Georgia Institute of Technology
  Thesis “Transient Numerical Analysis of Sound Radiation from a Partially Submerged Cylindrical Pile” - first structural acoustics, time-domain numerical model to predict underwater noise radiated from a cylindrical construction pile under impact loading and surrounded by multiple layers of fluid and sediments
• Alan Thomas Wall, Brigham Young University
  Characterization of Military Aircraft Jet Noise using Near-field Acoustical Holography

2013, Undergraduate Studies

• Zachary R. Jensen, Brigham Young University
  Modeling insertion loss of engine enclosures
• Andrew Hubbard, University of Cincinnati
  Pneumatic nail gun noise reduction
• Adam T. Buck, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
  Identifying just-noticeable-differences in reverberation time, updating commonly accepted values
• Matthew Edwards, Georgia Institute of Technology
  Interdisciplinary work on sound transmission of aircraft noise in composite building envelopes
• Rachel C. Parlock, University of Hartford
  Long term sound measurements in hospital patient units, treatment recommendations, and follow-up measurements
• Tiffany R. Stahura, University of Hartford
  Long term sound measurements in hospital patient units, treatment recommendations, and follow-up measurements
• Trevor N. Brown, Purdue University
  Method for ultrasonic detection of voids in setting concrete
• Eric Ricciardi, Ohio State University
  Design and construction of scaled-down anechoic and reverberation chambers
• Brittany Kay Notor, Pennsylvania State University
  Elementary school design project – HVAC noise mitigation strategies and in-classroom surface treatments to get T60 values to acceptable levels

2012

• Aaron M Lesky, University of Hartford
  Muffler design for NASA Orion space crew module under significant material constraints and performance requirements
• Brett J. Seward, Purdue University
  Theater sound and ultrasonic detection of voids in concrete
• Adam Hehr, University of Cincinnati
  Gas turbine engine pressure sensor controller improvement
• James R. Cottrell, University of Nebraska – LincolnJ
  The effects of absorptive material placement on classroom acoustics
• Chandana Ramitha Edirisinghe, Georgia Institute of Technology
  Water hammer suppression using voided urethane and silicone
• Joseph Plattenburg, Ohio State University
  Development of new health monitoring procedures for rolling element bearings based on stiffness and damping matrix calculations and vibration experiments
• Jie Duan, University of Cincinnati
  Active control of vehicle powertrain and road noise
• Limin Zhou, University of Kentucky
  Airborne path attenuation of partial enclosures, validation of a low order model to predict combustion oscillations, and sensitivity of using incompatible BEM meshes in muffler analysis
• Jonathan Botts, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  Bayesian filter design for time-domain impedance representation in acoustic finite difference methods
• Carl R. Hart, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
  Numerical simulations of applying active noise control on top of noise barriers to improve their performance and improved sound propagation prediction model which includes diffraction
• Nicholas E. Earnhart, Georgia Institute of Technology
  Modeling and validation of a syntactic foam lining for noise control devices for fluid power systems
• Osman Taha Sen, Ohio State University
  Dynamics of a speed-dependent friction-induced torque in non-linear brake system
• Tyler P. Dare, Purdue University
  Tire/pavement interaction noise including research on fundamental physical mechanisms involved

2011

• Clinton R. Fleming, University of Hartford
  Acoustic detection of breakthrough during laser and EDM drilling of gas turbine blades
• Daniel R. Hendricks, Brigham Young University
  Insertion loss modeling for enclosures
• Jeffery M. Fisher, Brigham Young University
  Development of a pseudo-uniform structural quantity for use in active structural acoustic control
• Greg Chatlos, University of Cincinnati
  Acoustic testing to identify noise sources and transmission path for cooling fans and pumps of CT (Computed Tomography) scanners
• Brent W. Rudd, University of Cincinnati
  Active tonal and broadband noise control for magnetic resonance imaging systems
• Patrick McPherson, Georgia Institute of Technology
  Passive and active impulse response techniques
• Timothy Hsu, Georgia Institute of Technology
  Hospital acoustics: Occupant outcomes and potential interventions
• Dakota Moses Kelley, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
  Correlation of subjective qualities of noise (like rumble, roar, hiss) with objective metrics from assorted indoor noise criteria ratings (such as NCB and RC)
• Caleb Frederick Sieck, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
  Control of sound transmission through an open window into a room
• Ron Taulbee, The Ohio State University
  Multi-Axial stiffness properties of automotive bushings
• Aydin Gunduz, The Ohio State University
  Structure-borne noise transmission through double row angular contact ball bearings
• Matthew G. Blevins, Purdue University
  Classroom acoustics in the developing world
• Sarah M. McGuire, Purdue University
  History of the development of transportation noise annoyance metrics, how knowledge of sound sources affects judgments of annoyance, and the logistics of developing an aircraft noise survey database
• Jinghao Liu, University of Kentucky
  Advanced studies on series acoustic impedance