Purdue ECE PhD student Peter Meshkov named inaugural ARCS National Scholar
Peter Meshkov, a PhD student in Purdue University’s Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, has been named to Purdue’s inaugural class of Achievement Rewards for College Scientists, or ARCS, National Scholars.
Meshkov, who received the Burton ARCS National Scholar Award, is one of five Purdue College of Engineering doctoral students selected for the honor. As an ARCS National Scholar, he is eligible to receive $10,000 per year in unrestricted funding, renewable for up to three years. Meshkov is a student of Vladimir M. Shalaev, the Bob and Anne Burnett Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
His research focuses on engineering a quantum spin liquid, an unusual state of matter that could help enable new approaches to advanced computing. Meshkov is studying how mechanically straining promising materials with structures at the nanoscale could help create and control these quantum states. His work draws on areas including microelectronics, nanotechnology and quantum science.
“These Purdue scholars for 2026 were selected through nomination by their department based on their exceptional academic merit and research in high-impact and emerging technology fields that are essential to U.S. technological leadership and global competitiveness,” said Lauren Trondsen, director of fellowships for Purdue’s Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars.
Purdue announced its partnership with the ARCS Foundation in March, marking the organization’s first expansion into Indiana. Purdue also is the first partner university whose PhD students receive awards directly from the ARCS Foundation.
The partnership is designed to support doctoral students conducting research in emerging technology areas considered important to U.S. innovation and competitiveness. Initial support focuses on biomedical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and mechanical engineering.
Through the agreement, ARCS will provide ongoing private, unrestricted support for Purdue doctoral students working in fields such as advanced computing, microelectronics, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and quantum technologies. The partnership also complements Purdue’s broader efforts in advanced computing, semiconductors and next-generation technologies through initiatives including Purdue Computes.
Source: 5 engineering doctoral students selected as Purdue’s inaugural class of ARCS National Scholars