Akash Hari Bharath is the first student to be selected for the Student Professional Activities Service Award for Region 3 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
The motto of the UCF Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is “Charged to Empower and Serve.” Doctoral student Akash Hari Bharath has exemplified that motto and is now being recognized for his industry service.
Bharath is the 2026 recipient of the Region 3 Outstanding Student Professional Activities Service Award from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). He is the first student from Florida to receive this award.
“It feels incredibly humbling,” Bharath says. “I’m truly grateful to IEEE Region 3 for this recognition. Being the first recipient from Florida makes it even more special, not just personally, but because it reflects the strong and active IEEE community we have built here. I see this award as a shared accomplishment with the mentors, colleagues and students who have worked alongside me over the years.”
This past year, Bharath served as the secretary for the IEEE Orlando section, which provided him with broad exposure to section-level operations and member engagement. He also serves as the chair of the IEEE Electron Devices Society’s Orlando chapter, where he focused on strengthening technical programming and engagement. He says his experience with IEEE allowed him to grow as a leader.
“I initially joined IEEE as a graduate student looking to grow technically and connect with professionals in my field,” Bharath says. “Over time, I realized IEEE is much more than conferences and publications. It is a community built around service and professional development.”
Bharath says he is especially proud of organizing the Orlando section’s conference, which strengthened connections among students, technical sections and local societies. He says that helping students build connections is what motivates him to serve.
“There were moments after events when students would personally reach out and say that a workshop or technical talk helped them clarify their goals or connect with an opportunity,” Bharath says. “Seeing that direct impact made me realize that service is not just about organizing programs, it is about creating spaces where students feel supported and inspired. That realization made service something I genuinely cared about.”
Through his service to IEEE, Bharath not only become a leader, but has encouraged other students to step up and serve as well.
“My goal was always to make IEEE more accessible and engaging for students,” Bharath says. “Through consistent technical programming, collaboration between chapters, and stronger communication within the section, we were able to increase participation and create more opportunities for students to connect with professionals and peers. The most rewarding outcome has been seeing students take the initiative themselves and become leaders within IEEE.”
Written by Marisa Ramiccio ’11 | March 9, 2026