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            Auburn University - University Relations
                         (334) 844-9999
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4/14/95                 Mitch Emmons

NAVY OFFICE NAMES AU PHYSICS RESEARCHER 'YOUNG INVESTIGATOR'

      AUBURN -- An assistant professor in Auburn University's 
Department of Physics has received the Office of Naval Research Young 
Investigator award.
      Yu Lin, who joined the College of Sciences and Mathematics 
faculty in September, was recognized for her studies of the effects of 
solar wind on the Earth's natural magnetic field.
      The Young Investigator program is designed to attract young 
scientists and engineers who show promise for doing creative research and 
teaching. It provides $75,000 for three years for research support with 
the option of another $75,000 in the form of matching funds.
      Lin is one of 33 scientists selected for the award from among 409
proposals.
      "She emerged successfully from a very competitive pool because of 
her academic achievements, her ability to contribute to the strength of 
the nation's research and development and the commitment to her expressed 
by university administrators," said Rear Admiral Marc Pelaez, chief of 
Naval research.
      Lin received her Ph.D. degree in 1994 from the University of 
Alaska at Fairbanks. While there, she also received the C.T. Elvey 
Memorial Award for the best student in the College of Natural Science and 
the Ed Hones Space Physics Award for the best Ph.D. thesis in space physics.
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april95:investigator
                  CONTACT: Joe Perez, 334/844-4264.