Bryan Kim, an assistant professor in electrical engineering and computer science (EECS), has received the National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award, a highly prestigious award that supports early-career faculty in developing their career as outstanding researchers and educators. The award will build on his previous research on data storage systems and contribute to the field by exploring new ways to improve the memory and storage systems of computers.
Computer systems use memory to hold data temporarily and storage for long-term data. Both memory and storage have made significant improvements due to the increased demands from data analytics and machine learning applications. However, the performance of these memory and storage systems is limited by the flow of information between the software that uses data and the hardware that stores it. Kim’s research project aims to fill the gap in information by adding implicit hints between systems and devices.
The project is innovative for two main reasons: first, it will use the address of the data as an implicit agreement for the expected performance quality of accessing that data. Second, it will optimize the hardware and software systems based on this interface. The broader significance of the project is improving the sustainability and performance of computer systems and developing the educational pipeline for computer systems.
“My project aims to improve memory and storage systems that use narrow interfaces such as physical memory addresses and logical block addresses. The key insight is that there are translation layers above and below these interfaces, which enable systems and devices to pass hints while remaining compatible with older systems,” says Kim.
As part of the NSF grant, Kim plans to engage undergraduate students in research activities and develop workshops for K-12 students in collaboration with the Museum of Science and Technology in downtown Syracuse. He also plans to create and enhance tools for the undergraduate courses he teaches, which will help demonstrate how computer systems function.
“Visualization tools make it easy for undergraduate students to understand how data moves in a complex computer system,” says Kim. “This project will allow me to develop an education pipeline so we can get more students involved in research.”
Kim’s research will be integral to the field of computer storage systems and will improve the performance of these systems without needing to change how the applications work.
“Bryan’s research on collaborative operation of the memory and storage system is critical for managing the massive amount of data movement in next-generation artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, and scientific computing among many other application areas,” says Alex K. Jones, the Klaus Schroder Endowed Professor for Engineering and Department Chair of EECS. “His recognition from the NSF during this time is a testament to his great research and the important research happening broadly in EECS at Syracuse University.”
“Dr. Kim has been an incredibly valuable resource to EECS and our college due to his knowledge of new and emerging memory systems. He is a thoughtful instructor who has emerged as an especially creative scholar in this critical field. With the arrival of semiconductor manufacturing in Syracuse, we are incredibly grateful to have a thought leader of his caliber in our college,” says Dean J. Cole Smith.
“That’s one of the things about research, we’re able to look far because we’re standing on the shoulders of giants,” Kim says. “We’re building on top of other people’s work. I feel fortunate and grateful to be receiving this reward.”
The College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) is proud to announce the selection of Bryan S. Kim as the inaugural Pramod and Anju Varshney Endowed Faculty Fellow. This endowed fellowship is made possible through a generous gift by Distinguished Professor Pramod K. Varshney and his late wife, Anju Varshney G’86, G’90.
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Professor M. Cenk Gursoy was elevated to fellow status with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) at the organization’s November meeting.
Gursoy was recognized for his contributions to learning-based decision making and optimal resource management in low-latency wireless networks.
Being an IEEE fellow is the highest grade of IEEE membership. Less than 0.1% of voting members are selected annually for this member grade elevation.
Strasbourg, France may be a long way from Marion Patsalides’ home in Connecticut but she had a family looking out for her from the moment she arrived for her study abroad experience. Patsalides spent the fall semester with Claire Kreuger and her family at their home just a short walk from Syracuse University’s Strasbourg Center.
“One of the biggest benefits for me has been having people I can communicate with and get advice from on a daily basis. I’m still getting better at French, so being able to have someone who speaks English and French and understands the local customs really helped,” says Patsalides.
Kreuger and her husband are originally from Canada but have lived in Strasbourg for years.
“We love living in France and in particular living in Strasbourg. This is such a great city and a great country to live in. The best part of hosting students from Syracuse is getting to share this city with them and getting to see it through new eyes,” says Kreuger.
“Had I been in an apartment or a dorm, I really feel like I would have struggled a lot to manage getting groceries and planning my own meals all the time in a different country. I appreciate home cooked meals daily,” said Patsalides. “Having a family I could ask for help really saved me multiple times. I will always feel like I was lucky to end up with the Kreugers.”
Host families are much more than housing and meals. The Kreugers lent Patsalides a bicycle so she could explore the city.
“When you strike up the courage and get on a bike in Strasbourg, the world opens up at your feet. We live right in the city center so everything we need is within a 15 minute radius by walking, tram or cycling,” says Kreuger. “While Strasbourg is very conveniently located for weekend getaways to London, Berlin or Barcelona, there is a lot to see and do right outside our door.”
From little things like help finding a pharmacy to a welcoming home to come back to each night, Patasalides says the support she has received from the Kreugers has made her study abroad experience more enjoyable on multiple levels.
“Living with a host family absolutely adds to the experience of studying abroad. Both the advice I’ve gotten from Claire about assimilating to French culture and especially with working out how to interact with professors have really helped me,” says Patasalides. “I live in the middle of a beautiful city, but it’s been wonderful to have such a place to call home while I am here.”
Through his two-year SOURCE fellowship, Jaggena will work with both Professor Aaron Mohammed and Professor Todorova to study mercury contamination in waterways.
Students and faculty from the College of Engineering and Computer Science attended the 2025 National Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Principal Investigators’ Conference in Washington, D.C.
The emerging trends in AItrack at the AAAI conference aims to expose the AI community to exciting, underrecognized, or fast-developing ideas from the various AI subdisciplines as well as from adjacent disciplines and domains. Talks will summarize new developments and competitions that are likely to shape future AI research agendas.
Shakarian will be discussing metacognitive artificial intelligence and a recent paper titled “Towards Artificial Metacognition.” Metacognitive AI deals with the study of artificial intelligence systems that can self-monitor and/or regulate resources. This concept has its roots in cognitive psychology studies on human metacognition. It has led to the understanding of how people monitor, control, and communicate their cognitive processes.
“It is an honor to have been selected to present an emerging trend talk at AAAI. I am really grateful to the community of researchers that have coalesced around artificial metacognition over the past two years. An exciting community has formed consisting of not only computer scientists, but from diverse disciplines including cognitive psychology, systems engineering, and aerospace, among others,” stated Shakarian. “Developing artificial systems that reason about themselves is, in my view, a key challenge that we must address in order to deliver AI systems that are more resilient and robust.”
Shakarian has written numerous papers on metacognitive AI and has also edited a book on the topic. He has received several grant awards on the topic from the Army and DARPA, and most recently he has received funding for several high-end Nvidia-based GPU systems that will soon arrive at Syracuse. Shakarian has also sought to create a community around metacognition, holding several workshops on the topic since 2023. You can learn more about metacognition at Syracuse at https://metacognition.syracuse.edu/.
“Paulo’s innovative work in metacognitive and neuro-symbolic AI represents the next wave of AI research. His recognition by AAAI signifies both his leadership in the field and Syracuse University’s growing role at the forefront of artificial intelligence,” said Alex Jones, Chair of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
The College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) celebrates its 30th year offering Academic Excellence Workshops (AEWs) to help undergraduate students succeed in their coursework.
Professor Jones was selected as a 2025 recipient of IEEE’s Technological Innovation Academic Award for his work in novel device technologies, sustainable computing, and embodied energy optimization.
The Institute for Sustainability Engagement (ISE) at Syracuse University is pleased to announce it has been awarded over $600,000 in funding through two separate grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for FY 2025. The grants— Technical Assistance and Training (TAT) Grant and Solid Waste Management (SWM) Grant—will support rural communities in New York State (NYS) and Puerto Rico (PR) with the resources and expertise needed to expand access to clean water and sustainable materials management.
Ensuring the success of these sectors is crucial to protecting public health and rural livelihoods. Many rural communities are on the frontlines of today’s most pressing sustainability challenges—from a rapidly retiring workforce, aging infrastructure, and increasingly frequent storms and weather emergencies. Waste combustion and landfilling are the primary methods to manage solid waste in both NYS and PR, despite the fact that within the next two decades, both regions will deplete the remaining capacity of their active landfills, according to state and jurisdiction data.
ISE’s Environmental Finance Center (EFC), which has served as a pillar of the institution for over three decades, continues to play a historic and foundational role in ISE’s partnership with the USDA and other supporting entities.
Alvin Montana II, Chief Operator at Herkimer County Sewer Authority, has partnered with the institute for over two years, and this partnership will continue through the TAT grant. Located along the southern edge of NY’s Adirondack Park, Herkimer County protects critical water resources that are vital to the region’s tourism, recreation, and agricultural sectors.
“ISE’s Environmental Finance Center has been a critical partner in advancing our capital planning—from refining priorities to helping us take projects out to engineering. Their support has helped us turn long-term water infrastructure goals into the development of shovel-ready solutions for Herkimer County,” Montana said.
ISE Director Melissa Young stated, “We are honored to receive support from the USDA to continue this important work.” She continued, “Rural areas serve as the backbone of agriculture, adventure, our water supplies, and our continued connection to nature, and it’s crucial they receive the support they need to thrive.”
All projects will kick off in October 2025.
About the USDA Grants
Solid Waste Management (SWM) – $434,000
The SWM Grant will help rural communities in NYS and PR address challenges related to solid waste, promoting innovative solutions for waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and more.
Through the SWM grant, ISE is committed to diverting a total of at least 10 tons of materials from the waste stream through a variety of strategies and initiatives, most notably; ISE’s long-running Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) Stewardship Programs (in NY and PR) and its Recycle Right NY campaign; a community SMM collection hub to address illegal dumping; a compost use event to improve soil health; and an assortment of workshops, webinars, facility tours, and summits.
“To help shift away from waste combustion and landfilling, ISE is working to improve recycling systems, establish reuse and repair initiatives, develop composting programs, and more,” shared ISE Assistant Director Jesse Kerns. “All of which will cycle valuable resources back into rural communities.”
Technical Assistance and Training (TAT) Grant – $172,000
The TAT Grant will help rural communities in NYS, PR, and eight Native Nations build resiliency, secure funding, and navigate the complexities of providing safe, clean water. ISE’s EFC will continue to lead the way to answer the difficult “how-to-pay” component of environmental protection and improvement, while also facilitating training opportunities on infrastructure financing, operations, and planning; university-student applied learning opportunities with local governments and partners; and distribution of bilingual resources.
Partnerships
These awards also represent ISE’s deep-rooted commitment to community engagement through strong partnerships across disciplines.
Committed partners assisting ISE in executing USDA funded projects for FY 2025 include:
New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse, and Recycling (NYSAR3) New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) The New York State Water Resources Institute at Cornell University The Center for Sustainable Materials Management (CSMM) at SUNY ESF Puerto Rico Composta Basura Cero Puerto Rico Sierra Club de Puerto Rico Feria Calle
About the Institute for Sustainability Engagement (ISE)
The Institute for Sustainability Engagement (ISE), formerly known as the Center for Sustainable Community Solutions, is housed at the Syracuse University College of Engineering and Computer Science, and works with communities to support their sustainability and climate adaptation in areas of sustainable materials management and water infrastructure. ISE engages with community members at all levels, providing coordination and expertise in communications, policy, and science to help them make informed decisions that foster economic well-being, environmental stewardship, and social equity. The Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center (EFC) is a pillar in this mission that facilitates the development of sustainable and resilient communities throughout US EPA Region 2 (New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and eight Native Nations) and nationally.
Professor Dong is spending the semester as a Visiting Scholar in Electrical Engineering at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
Biomedical and Chemical Engineering Professor Pranav Soman is part of a team that received a notable grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study how a phytochemical found in citrus fruits affects the treatment of bone defects.
Biomedical engineering alum Jade Carter ’24 is currently a second year master’s student in motor learning at Teacher’s College, Columbia University. Her career goal is to become an engineer who designs rehabilitation equipment to improve mobility and independence for individuals with neurological conditions. When she was at Syracuse University, Carter was an active member of the Biomedical Engineering Society, the National Society of Black Engineers and was selected as a Distinguished Lee Scholar by the Patrick P. Lee foundation.
We were able to catch up with her when she recently returned to the Syracuse University campus to speak to the Fall 2025 Convening of Lee Scholars.
What drew you to biomedical engineering initially?
I was first drawn to biomedical engineering after my grandmother suffered a fall that left her with a broken ankle. She played a pivotal role in raising me, and watching her go through a slow, painful recovery as a type 2 diabetic was incredibly challenging. Watching someone who once cared for me now struggle with her own independence was difficult. That experience sparked a desire in me to help others regain their mobility and improve their overall quality of life. I’ve always loved problem-solving, and biomedical engineering felt like the perfect way to turn that passion into something meaningful.
What were some of the most impactful courses or projects during your time in the College of Engineering and Computer Science?
One of the most impactful courses I took was the Senior Capstone Design course through the Biomedical and Chemical Engineering Department. This year-long experience allowed me to go through the entire design process in a simulated start-up environment from identifying a problem to developing a final prototype with my team. It was incredibly rewarding to apply the technical skills I had developed over the previous three years to a project I was passionate about. My team created a platform that used markerless motion capture technology to automatically calculate lower limb joint angles from uploaded videos of someone walking. The goal of this project was to reduce the time, cost and equipment required for gait analysis so it is more accessible for clinicians to use in their clinics to support children with cerebral palsy. Another one of my favorite courses was Sports Engineering. I grew up playing soccer and competing in track and field, so I’ve always loved sports and been fascinated by how the body moves. This class made it fun to connect what I was learning in physics and engineering to real world concepts, like analyzing baseball pitching mechanics and exploring the intricate design behind running footwear. I also had the chance to help Dr. Cindy Smith develop the curriculum for Syracuse University’s first STEM of Sports Academy in the summer of 2024. We designed hands-on activities to teach high school students about STEM concepts through the lens of sports.
What are some ways that the Lee Foundation’s support made an impact on your academic journey?
The Lee Foundation’s support has had such a tremendous impact on both my academic and personal journey. Being named the 2024 Distinguished Lee Scholar allowed me to graduate from Syracuse with minimal debt. In addition to that, the Foundation has given me a community of mentors and peers who truly want me to succeed and continue to support me now as a graduate student at Columbia University. Mr. Lee’s generosity and his commitment to paying it forward inspires me to do the same for the next generation of engineers and entrepreneurs.
How did Syracuse University prepare you for your current career path?
I really appreciated that my program encouraged students to take courses outside of the College of Engineering and Computer Science that aligned directly with our career interests. I took several courses through the Exercise Science Department, which enhanced my understanding of human movement from a physiological perspective and helped me become a more well-rounded engineer. I also had the opportunity to get involved in research early on, working as an undergraduate research assistant in the Bionics, Systems, and Control Lab during my last three years at Syracuse. In the lab, I helped develop and test a robotic ankle device designed to improve walking performance for stroke survivors. This experience combined my love for problem solving with my desire to help others, and it was instrumental in building the skills I use today as a Graduate Research Assistant in the Neurorehabilitation Research Lab at Teachers College, Columbia University.
What skills (technical or soft skills) that you developed at Syracuse University have been most valuable in your career?
Syracuse University gave me a strong foundation in technical skills essential to biomedical engineering, but more importantly, I developed the ability to adapt those skills in new situations. I didn’t graduate knowing all the answers, but I left knowing how to approach any problem with the tools I need to be successful. Just as important, I gained experience communicating ideas clearly and collaborating within interdisciplinary teams- which I use every day being in my research lab working alongside physical therapists, neuroscientists and exercise scientists. I’ve learned that even the most innovative ideas can’t make a difference if they aren’t communicated effectively.
Are there any mentors or experiences from your time as a student that still influence you today?
One mentor who continues to influence me today is my former professor and advisor, Dr. Douglas Yung. I took many courses with him over the years, and he consistently challenged me to think critically while encouraging a human-centered approach to engineering. He reminded me that as biomedical engineers, our role is to design solutions that serve the broader community of clinicians, healthcare workers, and patients alike. That perspective continues to shape how I approach my work every day.
Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Changmin Shi has been awarded a three-year industry grant to develop a manufacturing system for solid electrolyte battery components.
Yizhi Liu, Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE), has been awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to design an AI-enabled robot that can conduct safe, efficient roof inspections.
Ross is a professor of physics, member of the BioInspired Institute and currently serves as associate dean for creativity, scholarship and research in the College of Arts and Sciences. She previously served as the chair of the Department of Physics from 2020-24.
“I am excited to come and work with the engineering and computer science faculty and staff to support the students and keep the ECS machine stable in this time of flux. Engineers and computer scientists work hard to improve the world around them through their research and their teaching – values that I share. I have already been welcomed by several members of the faculty and staff, and I look forward to working together in our shared mission to make the world a better place.”
Ross is an award-winning biophysicist whose research focuses on cellular organization and next-generation bio-inspired materials. She has worked collaboratively with ECS faculty as part of the BioInspired Institute and is a fellow of the American Physical Society (APS) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), a Cottrell Scholar, and winner of the Margaret Oakley Dayhoff Award from the Biophysical Society.
Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) Dean J. Cole Smith has been appointed as the new executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at Clemson University. Smith received his undergraduate degree from Clemson and previously served as associate provost for academic initiatives and chair of the department of industrial engineering at Clemson from 2014 to 2019.
Smith has served as the dean of Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science since 2019 and will begin his new role at Clemson on January 1st, 2026.
During his tenure at Syracuse University, Smith led ECS through major renovation projects to modernize facilities, create multiple new lab spaces and establish the Allyn Innovation Center. He also helped secure a $2 million gift to support the Campos Student Center in the Center for Science and Technology. Smith oversaw the creation of the Center for Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing, an interdisciplinary initiative uniting expertise in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, optimization and manufacturing processes to advance semiconductor science that will open later in 2025. In addition, he helped launch a new master’s program in operations research and system analytics and a signature co-op program to expand experiential learning opportunities.
“My six years here at Syracuse have been more fulfilling than I ever could have asked for,” said Smith. “We have great days ahead for our education, research, scholarship, and impact in the region, and I am eager to see how this College will make the most of these opportunities. I want to thank the entire ECS family — our students, faculty and staff, plus our alumni, friends, and parents — all of the encouragement, counsel, and friendship I’ve received during my time here.”
Syracuse University Libraries’ Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) recently chose its Faculty Fellow for the 2026-27 academic year. Svetoslava Todorova, professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering and director of the Environmental Engineering Program, was selected by a committee of librarians, curators and educators. Todorova will participate in a 2026 summer residency at SCRC that includes workshops on handling special collections materials, teaching students how to research within and across collections, and designing hands-on, creative and critically-minded inquiry with rare materials, to apply what she learned and the materials from SCRC to teach her courses the following year. Jana Rosinski, SCRC Instruction and Education Librarian, is looking forward to this unique opportunity to engage students in the civil and environmental engineering program with special collections and archives. Rosinski explains, “The ability to understand the historical frameworks that have affected where humanity finds itself currently—socially, culturally, politically and ecologically— is an essential way of thinking to create conscious change for the future.”
Todorova will rework two Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) courses to integrate SCRC archival materials about Onondaga Lake to create a dynamic interdisciplinary learning experience that connects technical content with historical, societal and ethical dimensions. Todorova describes how her two courses will apply historical material to their contemporary scientific practice, “In Environmental Chemistry and Analysis (CEE 471/671), a traditional laboratory exercise on alkalinity in the Onondaga Lake watershed will be transformed into a project-based learning module. Students will engage with archival materials from two former SU Faculty members in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering who played an important role in initiating the cleanup of Onondaga Lake. By analyzing historical documents and extracting environmental data from these documents, students will examine the legacy of industrial pollution and connect early efforts to current water quality challenges. In The Role of Science in Environmental Governance (HNR 360), students will examine rare books and archival materials related to mercury contamination in Minamata Bay, Japan.” Todorova’s goal is “to help students develop deeper critical thinking and draw parallels in global environmental crises and local contamination issues in Onondaga Lake, which will enhance their understanding of environmental governance, public health, and scientific responsibility.”
Syracuse University Libraries’ SCRC Faculty Fellows Program aims to support innovative curriculum development and foster new ideas about how to transform the role of special collections in University instruction. Each fellow is awarded $5,000 along with guidance on how to provide students with a unique opportunity to research, analyze and interpret SCRC’s primary source materials in their class, and pedagogical support.
George Bain G’06, a member of the Library Associates, and William F. Gaske ’72, a member of the Libraries Advisory Board, provided generous gift funding towards the SCRC Faculty Fellows Program. Original funding for the program was made possible through the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation, which promotes the advancement and perpetuation of humanistic inquiry and artistic creativity by encouraging excellence in scholarship and in the performing arts, and by supporting research libraries and other institutions that transmit our cultural heritage.
To learn more about the Faculty Fellows Program or teaching with SCRC, contact Jana Rosinski at jrosinsk@syr.edu. For more information about how to financially support a Faculty Fellow for the upcoming academic year and beyond, contact Dean David Seaman at 315.443.5533 or via email dseaman@syr.edu.
Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) made a powerful impact at the 2025 CMD-IT/ACM Richard Tapia Conference, leading a multifaceted outreach initiative that blended cutting-edge education with strategic recruitment. Central to this effort was the hands-on workshop “Demystifying Secure Quantum Communication: A Hands-on Workshop for All,” collaboratively developed and delivered by Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) Professors Jae Oh, Jason Pollack, and Moamer Hasanovic.
The workshop offered undergraduate computer science, electrical engineering and computer engineering majors from across the United States —as well as attending faculty—a rare opportunity to explore quantum key distribution (QKD) and the BB84 protocol through hands-on experimentation. EECS students Donovan Donlin and Sofia Macaluso played a vital role in demonstrating quantum cryptography communications, helping participants visualize and interact with quantum principles in action. Together, the Syracuse University team created an engaging experience that bridged theory and practice, making complex quantum concepts accessible and inspiring.
Beyond cryptography, the workshop highlighted the increasing importance of quantum computing in the future of engineering and computer science. Facilitators highlighted how quantum technologies are poised to transform algorithms, cybersecurity, and computational models—encouraging students to explore this emerging field early in their academic careers.
Syracuse University also hosted an information and recruitment booth throughout the conference. Recruitment specialist Michaela Karcher, EECS faculty and students met with conference attendees to share insights about graduate programs, research opportunities, and campus life. The booth served as a welcoming space for students and educators to learn more about Syracuse University’s commitment to academic excellence.
Motivated by a passion for understanding how the brain learns, Chloe Britton Naime ’25 aspires to become a neuroscientist. As a child of engineers, they were naturally exposed to the field from an early age. However, for a young Britton Naime, the world of engineering seemed far less interesting than the complexities of the human brain, a belief that was held until late high school.
“I took a course in calculus and physics and realized I like engineering much more than I expected,” says Britton Naime.
Unwilling to abandon their love of neuroscience, Britton Naime pursued a dual major at Syracuse University, enrolling in both mechanical engineering at the College of Engineering and Computer Science and neuroscience at the College of Arts and Sciences. This dual major was an ambitious approach, combining two fields that seem unrelated on the surface, but Britton Naime was determined to make it work.
As an undergraduate research assistant at the Center for Autism Research and Electrophysiology (C.A.R.E. Lab), directed by Natalie Russo, Ph.D., their research focus was on identifying and understanding sensory and perceptual differences within autism and related conditions in children and adults. Additionally, Britton Naime was a peer coach at Syracuse University and a Fulbright-Mitacs Globalink scholar as a research assistant at the University of British Columbia’s Baby Learning Lab (B.L.L.), directed by Lauren Emberson, Ph.D.
“My experience at the University of British Columbia focused on understanding underlying mechanisms of learning in infants using a neuroimaging technique called functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS),” says Britton Naime. “I was central in developing the lab’s first data preprocessing pipeline for their state-of-the-art high-density fNIRS system.”
Though being a dual major student in neuroscience and mechanical engineering was challenging, Britton Naime stayed on top of their work and completed their neuroscience honors thesis and mechanical engineering capstone project. With their capstone group, they designed, built, and tested an innovative energy storage device that utilizes elastic potential energy through rubber balls.
“Collecting data and understanding different methods used in neuroscience has been aided by my work in mechanical engineering – allowing me to analyze and understand the complexities of processing neuroimaging data,” Britton Naime says. “Mechanical engineering allowed me to use the systematic and efficiency part of my brain.”
Britton Naime has also been the recipient of scholarships and awards, including Scholarship in Action, the Invest in Success Scholarship, and the SU Orange Distinction Award, among other achievements. Graduating from the University in the spring of 2025, they look forward to working toward a PhD in neuroscience at Florida State University, where they will continue their research on how the human brain learns.
“I would like to thank Dr. Natalie Russo, Dr. Lauren Emberson, the C.A.R.E. Lab, and B.L.L. for all their support and mentorship. I’m grateful for the Career Center, especially Shelby Bergen, who has been a big supporter,” says Britton Naime.
“I’d like to thank Dr. Michelle Blum, Dr. Mehmet Sairmurat, and Dr. Jen Cook, who have been essential in helping me stay on track to graduate in four years with my majors,” Britton Naime continues. “I’d also like to thank Jolynn Parker, who specifically helped me with my Fulbright-Mitacs application, and S.O.U.R.C.E. and the Honors College for providing funding for an independent research project I completed in the C.A.R.E. Lab.”
Salman and his research team have received two grants from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. These grants will allow them to help the state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) improve how highways, bridges, and other infrastructure are built and managed. The team will focus on identifying best practices as well as developing new approaches to contribute to the field of civil engineering and better meet state DOTs’ specific needs.
Moamer Hasanovic, Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, has received a National Science Foundation (NSF) Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) award for quantum and semiconductor upskilling. Hasanovic will develop an education program to give adult learners hands-on preparation for semiconductor, optics, and quantum technology careers.
NSF’s ExLENT program is designed to support experiential learning opportunities in emerging technology fields. The program is especially focused on eliminating barriers to STEM education for adult learners by providing training programs that lead to new career pathways.
Professor Hasanovic’s program, Quantum and Semiconductor Upskilling for Career Change through Experiential Education Deployment in Central New York (Q-SUCCEED-CNY) will span over six semesters and offer training on specific technologies, interactive demonstrations, industry talks, and mentorship. Workshops will take place in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate working adults. Each semester-long cohort program will conclude with a five-day immersive bootcamp covering topics like clean room protocols, semiconductor processes, optical measurements, and laser applications.
“This was truly a collaborative effort, and I express my deepest gratitude to all the internal and external partners who contributed to this proposal,” says Hasanovic. “I look forward to working with them – not only on this project, but on future efforts that aim to build a stronger regional tech workforce. By connecting adult learners with emerging technologies and real industry pathways, we’re not just preparing individuals for new careers – we’re investing in the long-term economic strength and innovation potential of Central New York.”
“This award strengthens Syracuse University’s growing leadership in semiconductor and quantum education and research,” says Alex K. Jones, Klaus Schroder Endowed Professor and Chair of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. “Alongside our increasingly recognized activities in areas such as artificial intelligence and wireless communications, Professor Hasanovic’s program further positions the University at the forefront of innovation in the nation’s most critical technologies.”
Hasanovic has extensive experience in teaching and program development for quantum-enabled technologies, as well as a long career in radio-frequency engineering and design. Q-SUCCEED-CNY builds on the success of EdQuantum, an NSF-funded curriculum Hasanovic created for photonics technicians, and other Syracuse University programs for semiconductor workforce training.
In addition to creating the EdQuantum program, Hasanovic has authored several electrical engineering textbooks and manuals. With both a PhD in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from Syracuse University, he is uniquely equipped to develop collaborations between industry and academia.
Hasanovic will lead Q-SUCCEED-CNY as Principal Investigator (PI), with support from Jones and Professor Prasanta K. Ghosh as Co-PIs. The program is an interdisciplinary effort, integrating career coaching through the College of Professional Studies, and will also leverage partnerships with Onondaga Community College, the Manufacturers Association of Central New York, Jubilee Homes, Westcott Community Center, and other regional businesses and community-based organizations.
Teng Zhang, Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, was awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to research how biomechanical forces shape developing tissues inside the human body. The project titled “Collaborative Research: Studying Mechanics of Tissue Boundary Formation with Experiments and Theory” will be led by Zhang and Professor Jianping Fu of the University of Michigan.
Zhang and Fu will combine biomechanical experimental research with computational modeling to study somite boundary formation. Somites are a type of precursor cell that become the building blocks of vertebrae and ribs. Disruptions to this cell growth process can lead to congenital vertebral defects.
“We will develop a modeling framework that is rigorously tested and refined through direct experimental validation,” explains Zhang. “This constant dialogue between model and experiment is essential to uncover the mechanical principles governing somitogenesis and transform observation into mechanistic understanding.”
The project will also provide hands-on STEM education for K-12 students, offering summer internship opportunities at the University of Michigan, as well as programming through STEM Exploration Day at the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS).
“I’m thrilled to see this important work funded by NSF,” says ECS Interim Associate Dean for Research Quinn Qiao. “By integrating computational modeling with biological validation, Drs. Zhang and Fu are poised to turn observations into meaningful insights that could advance our understanding and prevention of congenital vertebral defects.”
“Dr. Zhang’s work exemplifies the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to biomedical problems and the power of combining theoretical modeling and experimental investigations. I am so happy that this cutting-edge research is recognized and funded by NSF,” says Professor Jianshun “Jensen” Zhang, MAE Interim Department Chair and Executive Director of Syracuse Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems (SyracuseCoE).
A past recipient of an NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award, Zhang is an expert in the complex interactions between mechanics and biological structures. He is affiliated with the BioInspired Institute, and his research group focuses on using mechanics as an enabling tool to design smart materials and structures that improve human health.
Engineering and Computer Science student Josh Zeng ’26, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Professor Anupam Pandey and doctoral student Shima Mahmoudirad
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Professor Anupam Pandey has received a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to establish new strategies for controlling adhesion in ultra-soft and stretchable materials. His project will study how different types of materials stick together by examining thin materials that are partly attached to soft surfaces.
Small air pockets, or blisters, often form when surfaces don’t stick together properly, as seen in smartphone screen protectors or laminated materials. When these blisters are peeled away, one region may detach while another reattaches by itself in a unique transition described as peeling-to-rolling. This process causes noticeable changes in how strongly the surfaces stick together and involves complex interactions that existing methods can’t explain.
Pandey’s project will use analytical models and numerical simulations to understand how the peel-to-roll changes the way objects detach and causes sudden changes in the force needed to pull them apart. Additionally, the research will explore how the shape and arrangement of the air pockets can be engineered to actively control adhesion at the interface.
The findings aim to improve our understanding of how soft materials stick together in tight spaces and help design better soft interfaces for use in medical adhesives, flexible electronics, and soft robotics. To share this work, Pandey and his research team will host activities like a hands-on “Sticky Tapes” exhibit for kids, a summer workshop for high school students, and opportunities for undergraduates to get involved with research.
“This award gives us an exciting opportunity to uncover the mechanics of adhesion of blistered films on soft and stretchable materials,” says Pandey. “I’m eager to see how these insights will inspire both new science and practical applications.”
Alex K. Jones is the Klaus Schroder Endowed Professor and Chair of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Syracuse University. He previously served as a Program Director and Deputy Division Director at the National Science Foundation and was a professor for over two decades at the University of Pittsburgh. Since joining Syracuse in 2024, he has helped secure $4.5 million in research funding in AI hardware acceleration, semiconductor design, and workforce development. He is a Fellow of the IEEE Computer Society. He thanks Paulo Shakarian, the KG Tan Professor of AI at Syracuse University, for his comments on this piece.
For years, the formula seemed simple: get a computer science (CS) degree, walk into a high-paying job, and watch your career take off. It was the kind of promise parents could get behind and students could count on, but that story is changing. Uncertainty in the job market is partially to blame, but we also cannot ignore the rise of AI. The cumulative result has made it more difficult for new graduates to land the kinds of coding positions that used to feel almost guaranteed.
The hiring slowdown is real, and it is not just because companies are cutting budgets. Large language models and other AI tools can now do much of the work that used to go to entry-level programmers. In the past, the tech industry could absorb wave after wave of new CS grads because every product and service seemed to need more software. When that demand dipped, we could point to earlier disruptions like the switch from mainframes to personal computers, the outsourcing rush after the dot-com bust, and the rise of cloud computing and say, “We’ve been through this before.” But this time it feels different. The disruption is arriving alongside something new: a flood of people who can code.
Over the past decade, universities have expanded CS programs at a record pace. Bootcamps promised to turn novices into developers in months. Coding became part of the standard toolkit for engineers, scientists, and researchers. That was good for broad technical literacy, but it also meant the job market was suddenly saturated with candidates with programming skills. Now that AI can write, debug, and optimize code on demand, that skill is no longer a differentiator. Yet the big companies are not finding that AI solutions are revealing a substantial cost savings. Why?
Computer science has never just been about coding. AI itself is a product of computer science. It is a discipline built on algorithms, data structures and the architecture of complex systems. People who understand these foundations are in a position not only to use AI tools but to improve them, adapt them, and build the next generation of breakthroughs. Computer science also intersects with other technical areas like quantum technologies, semiconductors, the Internet of Things, and wireless communications. Technologies succeed where theory, software and hardware meet, where computer science principles beyond coding are necessary, and the demand for talent is still strong.
Wireless communications is a great example, blending theory, protocols, and real-world system design. Fifth-generation wireless, or 5G, is an enabler of AI’s computing power in the cloud to connect instantly to the phone in your pocket. The wireless network is not just a backdrop for AI; it is the stage. Building it, securing it, and making it faster takes expertise that cannot be replaced with a few lines of generated code and is a place where job opportunities remain plentiful.
Deep domain knowledge can even make AI better. Some researchers are combining symbolic reasoning with machine learning to preserve complex concepts that traditional AI tends to lose. Others are adding “sanity checks” so systems can spot their own bad logic. And there are big, open problems on which only humans can lead the charge: reducing the energy footprint of large models, addressing bias in training data, and determining when and where AI should be trusted at all.
The problem is that current employers have created a false equivalency between computer science and coding. This is why the design of a CS program matters. Degrees that focus narrowly on coding risk leaving graduates exposed to job insecurity. A better approach is to combine a broad foundation across computing with the chance to go deep in a field where demand will last, like AI, wireless, cybersecurity, quantum computing and others. At Syracuse University, students have the full range of computer science at their fingertips with the opportunity to explore one of these high-impact areas. This breadth gives them flexibility. The depth gives them an edge.
A good degree program is not just a hedge against automation. It is a way to shape the future. The fundamentals of understanding context, solving problems, and thinking critically still determine who succeeds. “Just learn to code” is not a recipe for career security anymore. You can get that here at Syracuse, or almost anywhere in the country, if you want it. But, that’s not the CS degree we strive for or recommend to our students. We teach the discipline, for sure, but that’s not our target differentiator. We want our graduates to see a pathway to success through skills like coupling their foundational knowledge with adaptability, continuous learning, and how to see opportunities where others see threats.
The value proposition for computer science has not vanished. It has evolved. It is not something coding bootcamps can replicate, nor is it something AI can replace. A good CS degree does not just prepare students for the jobs of today, it provides them the skills to be ready for the jobs of tomorrow. A great CS degree prepares their graduates to design the jobs of tomorrow.
Doctoral student Maheswar Chaudhary working in Professor Shalabh Maroo’s lab with a burning candle
Imagine you are standing on a slippery surface and the slightest imbalance makes you stumble. At Syracuse University, researchers have developed such a surface, not for you (phew!), but for water droplets. Such a super-slippery surface for water, called a superhydrophobic surface, makes water roll-off the surface even if you tilt the surface by just two degrees. Such surfaces can be used for self-cleaning windows, safer medical tools, waterproof clothing, protection of electronics, and even to help ships and planes move faster.
Syracuse University researchers have taken soot coming off a wax candle flame and transformed it into a remarkably durable coating that makes surfaces practically impossible for water to stick to. This invention doesn’t stop at water. It also repels sticky substances like honey and chocolate syrup and even cleans itself from dirt and dust. Unlike other artificially developed water-repelling superhydrophobic coatings, which fail under heat and prolonged exposure to water, the design from Syracuse University proved astonishingly robust. It survived high-speed water jets, chemical baths, saltwater, scorching temperatures up to 650 °F and even a full month submerged underwater, emerging dry and intact.
“The magic comes from a clever combination of candle soot with oil-infused porous silica structure. The porous structure holds the oil which in-turn holds the soot particles making the surface superhydrophobic.” said doctoral student Maheswar Chaudhary, who worked on the project alongside fellow doctoral student Ashok Thapa under the guidance of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Professor Shalabh C. Maroo in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. “We have shown this approach to work on both flat and curved surfaces, making it versatile for real-world applications. This isn’t just about repelling water, it’s about creating an easy-to-fabricate coating that truly survives real-world conditions.”
Maroo sees the discovery as a reminder that innovation doesn’t always start with exotic ingredients. “Even something as ordinary as a wax candle can inspire groundbreaking ideas,” he said. “We’ve turned candle soot into science, blending simple materials with simple nanoscale engineering to open up exciting possibilities for technology and sustainability.”
Biomedical and Chemical Engineering Professor Jialiu Zeng together with her former mentors, Boston University Professor Mark Grinstaff and UCLA Professor Orian Shirihai, have been awarded a five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health. The grant supports their innovative research to develop lysosome-targeted nanotherapeutics for metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Zeng serves as a co-investigator on the project.
MASLD is a condition where fat builds up in the liver and can cause health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Lysosomes are small structures within cells that contain enzymes that break down waste and keep cells healthy by removing damaged or unnecessary materials, acting as the cell’s garbage disposal. The project aims to use nanotechnology to specifically target lysosomes in liver cells, providing a more precise and effective way to treat MASLD.
Zeng, in collaboration with Professor Chih Hung Lo from the Department of Biology and the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, will focus on designing and testing nanomaterials that improve lysosomal function in liver disease models. Her expertise in lysosomal acidification and nanomedicine will guide the development of responsive nanoparticle systems that enhance the clearance of unwanted cellular materials while restoring healthy metabolic regulation.
At Syracuse University, Zeng leads an interdisciplinary research group that engineers nanoparticle-based treatments for metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders. Her lab integrates materials science, cell biology, and translational medicine to design nanotechnologies that help restore cellular balance. She is especially interested in how lysosomal acidity affects lipid and protein accumulation and metabolic signaling in diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity-associated neurodegeneration, and Parkinson’s disease. Together with Lo, Zeng is also extending this nanomedicine strategy to other neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
The research team includes Mark Grinstaff (Boston University), Orian Shirihai and Rajat Singh (UCLA), co-investigator Jialiu Zeng (Syracuse University), with collaborators Chih Hung Lo (Syracuse University), Yin Hung (Massachusetts General Hospital), Joseph Pisegna (UCLA), and David Zurakowski (Boston Children’s Hospital).
The College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Shikha Nangia as the Milton and Ann Stevenson Endowed Professor of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering. Made possible by a gift from the late Milton and Ann Stevenson, this endowed professorship was established to support the teaching and research of biomedical and chemical engineering faculty.
Professor Nangia chairs the Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering (BMCE) and is a leading expert in developing computational methods for studying biological interfaces. Her research spans from mapping the molecular architecture of the blood–brain barrier – critical for advancing treatments for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases – to discovering new biomaterials that prevent infections associated with implantable medical devices, including hip and knee implants.
Over her career, Nangia has earned widespread recognition for her contributions to both scholarship and teaching. Her honors include the Chancellor’s Citation Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Student Experience and University Initiatives, the Chancellor’s Citation for Faculty Excellence and Scholarly Distinction, the American Chemical Society (ACS) Women Chemists Committee’s Rising Star Award, the Excellence in Graduate Education Faculty Recognition Award, the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Education, and the Meredith Teaching Recognition Award.
She received a National Science Foundation CAREER Award in 2015 and continues to lead research funded by NSF and the National Institutes of Health. In addition to her academic leadership, Nangia serves as Associate Editor of ACS Applied Bio Materials, where she helps shape advances in biomaterials research worldwide.
Nangia excels at fostering collaborative learning environments and integrating different perspectives into her scholarship. She is affiliated with the BioInspired Institute, serves as faculty co-director of Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE), and led the NIH-funded ESTEEMED program, which prepared undergraduate students for careers in Ph.D.-level biomedical research. Recently, Nangia was named a Syracuse University Art Museum Faculty Fellow. Through this fellowship, students in her ECS 326 Engineering Materials, Properties and Processing course will utilize AI tools to analyze museum artifacts.
Before joining SU as a faculty member in 2009, Nangia earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and completed postdoctoral research at Pennsylvania State University.
“Professor Nangia has excelled in all facets of her role at Syracuse University. She embodies the principle that excellence in research supports excellence in the classroom and vice versa,” says ECS Dean J. Cole Smith. “Her leadership has been impactful and timely in the Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering. It is so rare, and so valuable, to have an energetic and talented faculty member who can truly do it all. She is eminently deserving of this professorship.”
This endowed professorship honors the legacy of Milton and Ann Stevenson, who met as students at SU and later founded Anoplate Corporation, a surface engineering and metal finishing company. The Stevensons were dedicated alumni supporters of the university; in addition to this endowment, both Milton and Ann served on SU’s Board of Trustees, and their generous support established the Stevenson Biomaterials Lecture Series.
“I am deeply honored to be named the Milton and Ann Stevenson Endowed Professor,” says Nangia. “This recognition affirms the impact of our research and teaching, but more importantly, it reflects the incredible students, colleagues, and collaborators who make this work possible. I am inspired by the Stevensons’ legacy of innovation and generosity, and I look forward to advancing discoveries that improve human health while training the next generation of engineers and scientists.”
Before he even knew he wanted to be an engineer, Steve Harvey ’91 was applying his aptitude for problem-solving to figure out his own path to college. Despite solid grades and a desire to learn, Harvey’s high school guidance counselor suggested he wasn’t college material. It was a formative moment at the onset of his career journey, and it became a driving force that led him to Syracuse University as a first-generation student, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a minor in mathematics.
“Even as a non-traditional student, there are a lot of opportunities out there that you may not be aware of, but when you have the right connections and the right exposure, it can come to life for you,” says Harvey.
Steve Harvey looking at a prototype during the 2025 Invent@SU finals.
Harvey, now retired after a successful career in telecommunications, recently returned to campus, drawing on his early experiences to mentor a new generation of innovators. During the summer of 2025, Harvey participated as a judge for Invent@SU, a program that challenges students to design, prototype, and pitch an original invention in only six weeks. Harvey observed it’s a hands-on, collaborative experience that not only accelerates student development in technical areas, but also around key accessory skills like communication and presenting. Something he says could have been beneficial during his time in college.
“It would have made me a little bit more comfortable. I think every engineering student would benefit,” says Harvey. “I would love to participate again. There were some really good projects.”
Steve Harvey talking to student inventors during the 2025 Invent@SU finals.
Lacking guidance and mentorship, after high school, Harvey joined the military, and he immediately received a strong evaluation for his abilities in science and math. He also developed a strong sense of discipline that would become the cornerstone of his skillset. Following nearly a decade on active duty as a radar tech, Harvey entered the reserves and obtained a job at General Electric in Syracuse, NY, as an engineering system test technician. In contrast to his experience in high school, his commanders in the military pushed him to succeed, and the experience ignited an early insight into the value of leadership and mentorship.
“It was a profound influence because now I felt like someone really cared about me, saw the potential that I had, and wanted to foster and mentor it,” says Harvey.
By chance, another member of Harvey’s unit graduated from Syracuse University and recommended he apply. The drive and discipline that brought Harvey to the University were directed toward achieving his degree while continuing to work his full-time job. His mission-based approach helped him focus on reaching his goals and managing a packed schedule, but he says it came at a cost.
“Being so driven and so focused, I didn’t build the connections I should have built,” says Harvey.
Harvey didn’t completely understand the importance of community and networking. It’s a common challenge and a significant disparity in the college experience of a first-generation student. Looking back, Harvey believes resources that aid these students in identifying blind spots and enable them to focus on academics would make a life-changing difference.
“Having that person to guide them, letting them know what the pitfalls are, and letting them know the things they really need to concentrate on, they really need someone to guide them,” says Harvey.
Harvey found mentorship as a member of NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers). Leaders for NSBE helped him make connections with recruiters that led to multiple job offers, including one he accepted from Lockheed Martin. The position pushed Harvey to expand his skills by developing his programming abilities and introducing him to coding techniques and different types of databases. Despite coming into the role without much experience in either area, Harvey’s electrical engineering background proved he could learn, innovate, and problem solve.
“Having an engineering degree, as soon as I got to Lockheed, I was given more and more opportunities because they knew I had that foundation.” says Harvey. “It built on top of what I learned at Syracuse University.”
The experience at Lockheed Martin launched Harvey into telecommunications. He transitioned to Motorola and eventually AT&T, where he rooted his career in transmitting, encrypting, and securing data. It was an exciting time because it placed Harvey at the forefront of the data revolution that led to the arrival of new technologies that are reshaping the world today. For aspiring engineers and computer scientists, Harvey emphasizes that data is just getting started.
“If I was an engineering student now, I would concentrate on all forms of data. Data is the future. Data is going to drive everything,” says Harvey. “If you can master different techniques like how it’s stored, analyzed, transmitted, and secured, that will probably be a big focus.”
First-generation students arriving at Syracuse University today find considerably more resources, but barriers remain. The College of Engineering and Computer Science is committed to providing a supportive environment where every student can thrive while receiving a world-class education that can change their life. For non-traditional students unsure of how to forge a path to higher education, Harvey says the first step is self-assurance, to believe in your ability to navigate uncertainty and to have the courage to discover and take advantage of opportunities.
“Don’t sell yourself short. Even though someone might tell you when you’re young that you’re not college material, but if you feel that you are and you want to do it, listen to what you’re saying inside.”
When Aravind Venkateswaran G’05 arrived at Syracuse University as a computer engineering Master’s student, he was more than seven thousand miles away from his home in India but was immediately at ease in Syracuse.
“I was an international student and it was a smooth transition. There was no stress for me. The international program office and the faculty were always available to help us” says Venkateswaran.
Syracuse University’s reputation as a leading academic and research institution had brought Venkateswaran to the College of Engineering and Computer Science.
“It was so fabulous that top companies like Microsoft and others were hiring engineers from Syracuse right out of college because they were fully prepared to go mainstream,” says Venkateswaran. “I still remember those classes and don’t get me wrong; those class projects were pretty hard but they fully prepared me for the real world. If you are from Syracuse University and you have taken these classes and have done well, the industry knows you are prepared and ready for your professional career.”
Venkateswaran greatly appreciated the flexibility college leadership provided when he had a chance to gain valuable professional experience at the financial firm FOLIOfn in the Washington DC metro area.
“I was able to establish good credentials in the company I was doing an internship with and eventually they wanted me to join them full time. I came back to Syracuse and wrapped up my studies, got my degree and joined the same company full time. The transition from school to work was very smooth and I cannot thank the Syracuse University faculty enough for being supportive and flexible during that time.”
Syracuse University wasn’t just the start to his professional career. He also met his wife Krithika Sambandam G’04 on campus. “I still tell my family it is one of the most beautiful campuses in the northeastern United States in my opinion,” says Venkateswaran. “A beautiful campus. The facilities are fabulous. We just enjoyed our time in Syracuse.”
Venkateswaran worked as a software engineer for a few years and built an outstanding reputation as a creative problem solver. “As I got more experienced, I was recruited to work at other companies. I was getting to understand real world challenges and worked with some great mentors,” says Venkateswaran.
An opportunity to work with the non-profit National Center for Missing and Exploited Children(NCMEC) proved to be career defining. NCMEC works with the government and the law enforcement agencies across the country to solve crimes against children. “When I was hired to lead the technology operations of the Center, as a new parent, I was personally driven to work on issues affecting children. With the support of my colleagues, I was able to do technology transformation and modernize the Center’s operations” says Venkateswaran.
When a child goes missing, the first few hours are critical to their safe recovery. The Department of Justice had developed a special program called Amber Alert with the goal of quickly sending out communications when a child goes missing and is determined to be in a critical situation. NCMEC was authorized to operate as a secondary distributor of these alerts. “We partnered very closely with the Department of Justice and the Federal Emergency Management Agency and built a new system to rapidly create these alerts and integrated it with the federal wireless emergency alert system to distribute them to all the cell phones in a geo-targeted fashion. Later on these geo-targeted alerts were integrated with the social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and others as well.”
As cell phone and social media usage became widespread across the United States, a system that could contact almost everyone in an area around where a child goes missing showed tremendous results. “The success stories that come out of it are fascinating. When people are on the road, they can see this alert and they can see the car that is in the alert. When they see the car or the child and call law enforcement – now the child is immediately recovered,” says Venkateswaran.
“The program was already popular and widely successful. We were able to take it to the next level with the use of modern technology. The impact was massive. People adopted it and the way they responded – it was wonderful.” Venkateswaran and his colleagues saw that they weren’t just using technology to solve a problem, they were changing lives. “I was fortunate to work on it. It wasn’t possible without a lot of collaboration. I feel like I did something for society and I’m incredibly proud of the work.”
He went on to work at Capital One while the credit card giant was modernizing their platforms internally. “It was an exciting time to be there and to be a part of something massive,” says Venkateswaran. “For a technologist it was a place where the possibilities were endless. As a leader, I was able to hire top talent and together we could run our imagination and do cutting edge work which helped transform the company into a leading tech organization, decades ahead of others in the industry.”
His continued success was noticed in the tech industry and he was recruited by leading Private-Equity(PE) firms which are essentially an investment management firm that buy companies and then actively manage them to improve their performance. “Technology is often a big part and the complex part of these companies’ turnaround story. My strong technical skills combined with the executive leadership experience have prepared me well to lead these complex initiatives and the technology transformation of these companies have created significant value.”
Venkateswaran credits his time at Syracuse University with building his core skills and his mentors who have helped him to shape his approach to creative problem solving. “In my professional career, it’s always been that one thing led to another. I never said no to new opportunities or challenges that were presented. Whenever a new opportunity came by, I evaluated it and if I saw a possibility to have a broader impact, I said let’s give this a shot,” says Venkateswaran. “Syracuse University offers amazing possibilities. I would highly encourage students to go there.”
Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Shobha Bhatia and Biomedical and Chemical Engineering Department Chair Shikha Nangia have been awarded a new collaborative National Science Foundation (NSF) research grant to study biopolymer–mineral interactions through a complementary blend of experimental and computational approaches. Biopolymers are polymers produced by living organisms, which are naturally occurring, biodegradable, and environmentally benign materials.
This interdisciplinary project, totaling $750,000 over three years, is being conducted in collaboration with University of Tennessee Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Angel Palomino. Together, the research team aims to advance environmentally responsible alternatives to synthetic polymers currently used in geotechnical construction and mining.
To understand how biopolymers function, the team will integrate laboratory experiments with molecular-level computer simulations. Their goal is to identify which biopolymers perform best under varied environmental conditions—such as changes in acidity or salt levels—commonly encountered in mining operations.
Beyond research, the project will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities and support the development of new classroom materials. The long-term aim is to foster safer, more sustainable solutions for construction and mining—while training the next generation of scientists and engineers to lead this transition.
“Driven by recent mine tailings failures, we are pursuing innovative solutions, and I am eager to work with my collaborators on a cutting-edge experimental–molecular modeling approach,” said Bhatia.
“This is about designing smarter materials that are better for the planet—and it starts with understanding how they work from the molecule up,” added Nangia.
The College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) welcomes Changmin Shi to the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE). Shi joins ECS in the Fall 2025 semester as an Assistant Professor.
Shi earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park. Prior to his faculty appointment at Syracuse University, he spent two years in the School of Engineering at Brown University, where he completed postdoctoral research in energy materials mechanics, thermal energy management, and artificial intelligence.
“Changmin brings a unique expertise to ECS, including both fundamental material sciences and engineering applications,” says Professor Jianshun “Jensen” Zhang, MAE Interim Department Chair and Executive Director of Syracuse Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems (SyracuseCoE). “His cutting-edge research includes novel electrochemical material systems for batteries and optically tunable materials for thermal energy regulations. I am excited to welcome him to MAE and SyracuseCoE, and look forward to his many significant contributions.”
Shi has worked on multiple groundbreaking innovations in battery and thermal management technologies, including the development of high-energy-density battery designs, novel strategies to suppress lithium dendrite growth and prevent cell failure, sustainable electricity-free cooling systems for buildings, and passive water harvesting and desalination solutions.
Recently, he was selected to serve as a lead symposium organizer for the 250th Meeting of the Electrochemical Society, the leading professional association focused on electrochemistry solid-state science and related technologies. Titled “AI-Driven Battery Materials Design and Manufacturing,” his symposium session will focus on technologies like autonomous manufacturing, predictive modeling of electrochemical properties, and other AI-assisted tools that can help accelerate battery commercialization. The conference will take place in Calgary, Canada in October 2026.
Shi is a Principal Editor of the Journal of Materials Research and a member of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society. He has published extensively on next-generation energy storage batteries and battery technology. In the Spring 2026 semester, Shi will teach a graduate-level course on fundamentals and properties of materials.
Dr. Shi is currently recruiting postdoctoral researchers, graduate, and undergraduate students to his research group. For more information and instructions on how to apply, please visit the Openings page on the Shi Research Group website.
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Professor Pankaj Jha has received a grant from the United States Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to develop an absorptive atomic resonance filter (ARF) that can detect weak optical signals even in the presence of strong background (thermal/optical) noise. The filters that Jha will develop will have a sub-100 megahertz bandwidth, be electrically tunable across the sub-terahertz range, and provide sub-gigahertz speed.
An absorptive ARF is a type of filter in which a material strongly absorbs a narrow band of light, such as light resonant with an atomic transition. This absorbed light is then re-emitted at a longer wavelength, and by monitoring this re-emitted light, an ARF can separate weak optical signals from a large background.
In contrast to previous atomic filters, Jha and his team will use “atom-like” quantum defects, also known as color centers, in 2D materials. In general, defects are considered harmful to materials and device performance; however, certain defects, such as missing atoms (vacancies) at lattice sites or impurities, can be used to emit or absorb light at specific frequencies. Jha will use color centers in boron nitride, which has emerged as a promising candidate for quantum light emission, to build this filter.
“Good emitters can make good absorbers. Leveraging these color centers to detect background-limited weak optical signals adds another dimension to the exciting world of boron nitride,” Jha says.
Ananya Chandra’s academic journey demonstrates her commitment to engineering that makes a lasting impact (Chandra uses both she/they pronouns). In the summer of 2023, they interned at Haley & Aldrich, an engineering and environmental consulting firm, where she visited local communities to promote cleanups, conducted soil tests, and used environmental justice mapping tools. She also connected with leaders to support innovative cleanup designs.
Chandra attended the Minamata Convention on Mercury in Geneva, Switzerland, as part of a class trip, where she gained insights into international climate negotiations and the role of academia in building consensus for global thresholds.
Chandra at the 2025 International Perspectives in Water and Environment (IPWE) Conference
They have also worked with the US Forest Service, the Climate Hazards Research Team at SU, and FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency). She was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), an alum of Young Voices of Science, and has authored articles for the American Indian Foundation (AIF) on environmental livelihoods and sustainable water infrastructure.
Chandra has also been recognized for her strong academics and has held leadership roles across Syracuse University. Currently, she is a BIF Fellow at the Nehru Foundation for Development, VIKSAT in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where she researches and documents climate-smart agriculture practices in dry areas in India and other countries. Her work has culminated in a climate-smart agriculture manual pending publication. In this one-on-one interview, Chandra discusses her research interests, experience in the environmental engineering program, and her career path.
Tell us about yourself!
I was a dual major at Syracuse University, so I was enrolled in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. I studied environmental engineering and environment, sustainability, and policy, and I’m a very social science-oriented STEM person. I was also in the honors program, and my thesis was in geography. I love art, trying new recipes, and spending time outside.
What sparked your interest in coming to Syracuse University?
I was a Coronat Scholar! It was an incredible opportunity I couldn’t give up. It’s four years of tuition, funded research and study abroad, and Syracuse was a place that was big enough for me to explore options.
What do you enjoy about environmental engineering?
I love how you can tangibly see the impact of your work. As a hands-on person, that means a lot to me. I was a research assistant with professors Chris Johnson and Liz Carter. One thing I’m thankful for at Syracuse University is its diverse array of experiences and resources. Just by showing interest and speaking to people, a conversation often led me to an exciting opportunity.
What are your research interests?
My research focus presently is climate-smart agriculture, an approach to making farming sustainable and resilient in the face of climate change. I’m also interested in water infrastructure and the policy side of engineering. I took Professor Svetla Todorova’s course titled “Role of Science in Environmental Governance” and attended the COP-5 of the Minamata Convention on Mercury as an academic ambassador.
Broadly, I’m passionate about water systems and making them accessible to all, as well as improving water infrastructure. As engineers, a lot of our work is humanity-facing infrastructure, which inherently impacts marginalized communities, so I’m interested in how we can do better.
What was your experience in the environmental engineering program like?
Professors go the extra mile to give experiential learning. We used local data in research and in our environmental chemistry lab, such as samples from Onondaga Creek. I switched into engineering after my freshman year, only after understanding at Syracuse University how diverse the field is.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
I would enjoy being at the intersection of policy and engineering. I like engineering roles where I can integrate the social impacts of our work, and I’m really enjoying doing things locally in my current role. I see myself continuing this and working in a place that allows me to engage with communities regularly. In the future, I want to work specifically in urban climate resilience, equipping cities with the infrastructure to withstand the impacts of climate change.
Also, doing high-level engineering while interweaving social impacts in my work. I’m really interested in the participatory processes, how we can work with communities to design projects, and how it can function for their needs.
Do you have any advice for students?
I would tell students to approach networking with curiosity about what opportunities could look like and what the landscape of their field will look like in the future. Even if it’s a conversation that results in you realizing you don’t want to do something, it can be useful. I think you can learn the most from people and their experiences!
Alex K. Jones, Department Chair of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), and Bryan Kim, assistant professor in EECS, have received a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to use chiplet technologies to improve the efficiency and capability of data centers. These data centers are needed for tasks like training large AI models. The $2M project is a collaboration between the University of Arkansas, the University of Central Florida, and Syracuse University. Jones and Kim serve as co-principal investigators on this project.
Chiplets are small, modular circuits designed for specific tasks like processing, memory, input and output, or communication, and are an evolution of large single chips known as systems on a chip. Chiplets are assembled into a package using a method called 2.5D integration, which allows for the integration of different semiconductor technologies in a compact way.
“It’s more than just the next generation of the printed circuit board,” says Jones, who leads the Syracuse University team.
Using 2.5D integration, smaller chiplets help reduce defects that often occur in the chip-making process. This method improves the efficiency of semiconductor production while still maintaining the benefits of their close integration.
“Of course, chiplets allow us to save on waste during fabrication, which benefits cost and even reduces greenhouse gas emissions,” says Jones. “But the real game changer is that using chiplets, we can integrate semiconductors that would have been fundamentally incompatible in the same fabrication process, giving a system designer access to the best material for power conversion, sensing, computing, memory, and communication all in the same package.”
“Even for Silicon-based fabrication, the rules to make compute logic, DRAM memory, and Flash storage are all different and highly tuned to those functions,” says Kim. “By building these components individually but allowing their integration through chiplets, we can break down data movement limitations that currently limit our biggest applications like training large language models that form the basis for ChatGPT.”
Jones and Kim will create computer systems using next-generation chiplets. Their collaboration with the University of Arkansas, which has expertise in new power delivery methods, and the University of Central Florida, which specializes in disaggregated computing, will combine memory, processing, and storage from different computers to meet the specific needs of various applications.
In recognition of superior scholarship, the following students have been entered on the Engineering & Computer Science Dean’s List for Spring 2025.
To be eligible for Dean’s List recognition, the minimum semester grade point average must be 3.40 or higher, must have earned a minimum of 12 graded credits and must have no missing or incomplete grades.
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Assistant Professor Lihong Lao has received a research grant from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). With ASHRAE’s support, Lao will study the impact of corrosion on equipment in data centers located in coastal regions.
Lao’s lab will mimic the conditions of a coastal data center to study how factors like air flow, dry bulb temperature, dew point, humidity, gaseous pollutants and sea salt concentration affect the corrosion levels of copper and silver materials used in IT equipment.
“Currently, there is little guidance on the optimal environmental conditions for data centers in coastal areas, which can have high humidity and airborne salinity,” explains Lao. “This research project aims to develop guidelines for data center operators that prevent IT equipment failure and make these facilities more resilient.”
Lao joined the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) in 2024, after completing postdoctoral research at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. At ECS, she leads the Environmental Control Materials Lab, which focuses on developing smart materials that help regulate temperature and moisture in both the human body and the built environment. Lao holds a Ph.D. in Polymer and Fiber Science from Cornell University.
“Congratulations to Lihong on winning this award. This project gives us the opportunity to continue supporting ASHRAE as they advance environmental design guidance for data centers,” says MAE Interim Department Chair and Syracuse Center of Excellence In Environmental and Energy Systems Executive Director Jianshun “Jensen” Zhang. “This award builds on the capability we developed through a previous ASHRAE sponsored project that provided knowledge and data to support the expansion of the acceptable temperature and humidity conditions for data centers, while reducing the risk of IT equipment failure due to corrosion by gaseous pollutants.”
Lao and Zhang will serve as Co-PIs on the project. Zhang also acknowledged MAE Professor Emeritus and a Member of National Academy of Engineering, Roger Schimdt, who has provided ongoing support to MAE faculty in this area, and helped translate fundamental research into practical design guidelines.
Founded in 1894, ASHRAE is the world’s largest society of heating, refrigerating and air-conditioning professionals, representing experts from over 130 countries.
While scuba diving and space exploration seem like worlds apart, they share more similarities than you’d expect. In fact, one of the world’s largest indoor pools is housed in NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Known as the Neutral Buoyancy Lab (NBL), this facility is designed to prepare astronauts for spacewalks since water closely mimics the weightlessness experienced in space. Divers are also present in the lab to ensure the astronauts’ safety during their training.
For an aerospace engineering student and scuba diver like Brady McKenna ’25, NASA’s buoyancy lab is the perfect place to combine his interests. While studying abroad in Australia, he became a certified diver and later discovered how he could merge his engineering education with his love for deep-sea diving.
“I love scuba diving, and I love engineering. I’d be pairing a lot of my interests,” says McKenna. “Being able to draw on that moving forward in my career would be incredible.”
After securing an internship with NASA in the summer of 2024, McKenna came across the buoyancy lab, where he would earn an advanced scuba diving certification. He also learned about the work of engineers who design equipment for test runs with astronauts in the lab. These engineers dive into the pool to observe the equipment and receive direct feedback from astronauts about improvements.
“It sounded awesome to me because you never get to do that in engineering. You never get to design it, see it used, get direct feedback, see it in the field and go back to improve it,” says McKenna. “That would be a cool avenue to explore.”
In addition to becoming a certified diver, McKenna learned about cryogenic systems, vacuum chambers, and pressure vessels. He visited the Mission Control Center, the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility, spacesuit labs and saw the latest space technologies that are in development. He also improved his presentation and communication skills through meetings with leadership.
“It was great interacting with people and different commercial space vendors. I got a real feel for what’s going on in the space industry,” he says.
McKenna has gained valuable experience in building and designing through his senior design capstone. This project is a collaboration with NASA, made possible through his internship experience with the agency. His team is developing a Chamber D test stand that will be used to test spacesuit components such as gloves and boots. McKenna and his teammates were also able to visit the space center, where they gained insights from engineers across various disciplines and industry experts.
His involvement with the NASA-sponsored capstone has also led him to consider starting his own company. “Capstones are a great way for students to get hands-on experience they may not otherwise get in the classroom,” he says. “I would love to help connect companies with colleges for company-sponsored capstones.”
McKenna will be returning to the Johnson Space Center in the summer of 2025 to continue working with the EC Crew and Thermal Systems Division, focusing on cryogenics and space suit testing technologies. He also plans to obtain his rescue diver certification in the buoyancy lab. After the summer, he will return to Australia to pursue a dive master certification to become a dive guide.
“Working with NASA has been a dream come true. I never imagined I’d get to that level as an undergraduate,” says McKenna. “To have the opportunity to go to the Johnson Space Center and see the things I saw was incredible and I’m grateful for the experience.”
Alex K. Jones, the Department Chair of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Klaus Schroder Endowed Professor for Engineering, has received National Science Foundation (NSF) Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER) award for computer memory research. The award supports early-stage research with promising ideas involving innovative approaches, new expertise, and interdisciplinary educational opportunities. Jones serves as the project’s principal investigator.
Computers in space face challenges, particularly with radiation, which can disrupt electronic parts. Most space technologies use radiation hardening, a process that designs electronics to withstand the damaging effects of radiation. However, these parts are significantly more expensive than their commercial counterparts and are often generations behind the latest technologies.
“It’s like being forced to use a flip-phone because a radiation-hardened smart phone hasn’t been designed yet,” says Jones. “I would much rather try to figure out, using software-based fault tolerance, how to use the commercial smart phone than live with the flip phone.”
The project’s overall goal is to make commercial computer memory technologies more reliable and better suited for the harsh conditions of space. First, the project aims to understand how dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), the most common type of memory used in modern computers, behaves in space-like conditions. Second, the project will develop techniques to protect DRAM during in-memory computing, a method where data is processed and stored in a computer’s main memory.
“Normally, radiation is expected to randomly disrupt electronics. In our experiments, we found that memory errors are concentrated on 1.5 ten millionths of a percent of the memory capacity,” says Jones. “We have also been demonstrating that we can use this same memory to do massively parallel processing for AI, so the question we want to answer is what happens when we do this AI processing in the presence of radiation.”
Computing systems in space require solar energy, which limits their power supply. Because of this, they cannot use hardware accelerators such as those found in data centers. However, these space systems still need memory. If Jones’ research is successful, it could make computing AI algorithms possible in space using the computer memory as an accelerator.
“As a kid, I was blown away by the almost magical computers and artificial intelligence in Star Trek,” says Jones. “Never did I imagine I’d be helping to make AI in space computing a reality.”
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Professor Senem Velipasalar has been working alongside scholars at leading universities as the Chief Technology Officer of Lamarr.AI, a startup that comes from collaborative research efforts of Syracuse University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). The startup uses drones, thermal and visible-range imaging, and AI to autonomously inspect building exteriors to lower carbon emissions, maintenance, and ownership costs. The algorithms Lamarr.AI has developed have made building energy audits faster, more affordable, and more accurate than traditional methods.
Lamarr.AI has recently partnered with Michigan Central, a technology, mobility and cultural hub in Detroit, and Newlab, a platform that supports startups, to launch a drone inspection pilot to improve building operations and performance. The collaboration between Lamarr.AI, Michigan Central and Newlab will make use of Detroit’s Advanced Aerial Innovation Region, a testing ground for drone technology.
The startup used drone inspection technology to analyze several city-owned buildings in Southwest Detroit, and their system found over 460 issues with insulation and potential water leakage within just a few days. These findings were shown in 3D models and combined with energy simulations, revealing that making specific upgrades could lower HVAC energy use by up to 22% in all the buildings that were tested.
“Lamarr.AI is the product of more than 10 years of research funded by the Department of Energy and other grants. It is deeply rewarding to see the translation of our multi-disciplinary research into solving real-world problems,” says Professor Velipasalar.
The College of Engineering and Computer Science is excited to announce Paulo Shakarian as the first appointed K.G. Tan Professor of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This professorship is a faculty position in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) and was established by computer science alum Kwang G. Tan’s G’73 to support the future of education and research. Shakarian will lead the development and analysis of AI algorithms while serving as an instructor for computer science students.
Shakarian previously worked at Arizona State University, where he was a tenured professor and later the Research Director in the School of Computing and AI. He brings over 10 years of expertise in logic programming, data mining, and work at the intersection of AI and security. Shakarian is looking to leverage the endowment to further AI research and education at Syracuse, building on a series of recent AI hires made by the EECS Department.
“This professorship is particularly special as K.G. Tan is a pioneering innovator who helped usher in the first major wave of computing. It is a privilege to take this position in his honor,” says Shakarian. “This is particularly inspiring as we create AI systems to power the next technological revolution. I am excited to work with Syracuse’s strong faculty to establish leadership in this area.”
Tan designed some of IBM’s first functional computing units and had a successful career at companies such as HP and Sun Microsystems. His academic and professional journey has led him to value the importance of empowering engineering students, and he’s consistently supported the University through scholarships, foundations, and gifts. This professorship continues Tan’s legacy of academic support and innovative research.
“Dr. Tan’s doctoral research and early industrial work at IBM contributed to the design of foundational computing processors that helped spark the computing revolution. His work also played a role in inspiring Syracuse University’s establishment of the nation’s second-oldest computer engineering program. As the inaugural K.G. Tan Professor of AI, Paulo Shakarian brings a similarly innovative spirit by challenging the field’s conventional dependence on deep learning, which underpins large language models,” says Alex Jones, Klaus Schroder Professor and EECS Department Chair.
“His research in next-generation metacognitive AI is transforming how artificial intelligence can be integrated with rule-based decision-making,” Jones continues. “Combined with his experience in building AI-centric education programs, Dr. Shakarian’s leadership will further strengthen EECS’s already prominent position in AI research and education. I’m excited to see Dr. Tan, through Dr. Shakarian as his inaugural namesake professor, contribute once again to a transformative era—this time, the revolution of AI.”
The College of Engineering and Computer Science is excited to announce that Professor Jianshun “Jensen” Zhang has been appointed Interim Department Chair of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, effective July 1, 2025. Zhang serves as Executive Director of the Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems (CoE) and is one of the premier experts worldwide on built environment systems.
Zhang received his Ph.D. degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1991, worked as a researcher at the National Research Council of Canada for 8 years, and then joined Syracuse University in 1999. He has over 35 years of research experience in built environmental systems and has authored and co-authored more than 200 peer-reviewed journal papers and over 100 conference papers. His areas of expertise include combined heat, air, moisture and pollutant simulations in buildings, material emissions, air filtration/purification, ventilation, indoor air quality, and intelligent control of building environmental systems.
Zhang has developed advanced experimental methods, tools, and equipment, as well as computer simulation models and environmental control technologies. Over the last 25 years at Syracuse University, he has established and sustained an active research program in building energy and environmental systems with over $20 million in sponsored research. He also teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in the areas of building energy and environmental systems and fundamental heat and mass transfer. He has advised and co-advised over 20 Ph.D. students, over 20 M.S. students, and eight postdoctoral fellows.
Zhang is a member of the International Academy of Indoor Air Science (ISIAQ fellow) and a fellow of the American Society for Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers. He is also currently the vice president of the Indoor Air Quality, Ventilation and Energy Conservation Association. He served as president and chairman of the board of the International Association of Building Physics from 2018 to 2021. He is also Editor in Chief of the International Journal of Ventilation and Associate Editor of Science and Technology for the Built Environment.
“Professor Zhang is one of the best respected researchers, educators, and leaders in his field. I am especially grateful for his willingness to serve as interim department chair because he has been so intentional about mentorship and support of other faculty,” said Engineering and Computer Science Dean J. Cole Smith. “Although we will miss Dr. Young Moon’s steady leadership of MAE, I am excited to see the innovative actions Professor Zhang will take to move MAE forward.”
“I am truly honored and excited to have the opportunity to serve the department, college, university, and the profession in this new role. I sincerely thank the faculty, staff and ECS leadership for their trust and support, and thank Professor Young Moon for leading and serving MAE over the last decade. MAE has highly talented and very student-caring faculty and staff running excellent undergraduate and graduate programs. I am looking forward to working with them more closely to advance MAE to the next level,” says Zhang.
Assistant Professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Fernando Zigunov has been selected to participate in the NASA Glenn Faculty Fellowship, a 10-week research program for full-time STEM faculty members. The fellowship will take place from June to August at the Glenn Research Center (GRC) in Cleveland, Ohio.
Participants in the fellowship will contribute to research, technology and engineering goals in support of NASA’s mission, engage with NASA subject matter experts in research and engineering, enhance their professional knowledge, and infuse NASA mission-related research and technology content into classroom teaching.
“I’m very grateful to have been selected for this fellowship,” says Zigunov. “I look forward to collaborating with NASA Glenn’s aeropropulsion group and contributing to their cutting-edge research to understand turbulent noise production mechanisms towards the development of the next generation of quiet propulsion systems.”
Eight teams of engineering students presented designs for original devices to industry experts and investors at Invent@SU Final Presentations. This six-week summer program allows students to design, prototype, and pitch their inventions to judges. During the program, students learn about ideation and intellectual property and receive weekly feedback from guest evaluators to refine their devices.
On June 18th, the teams gave their final pitch presentations to a panel of expert judges. The audience included Dean Cole Smith and program supporter Mike Lazar. The event kicked off with poster presentations that allowed teams to showcase their inventions and answer questions.
This year’s competitors were:
WashSentinel (First place)
Team members: Andy Rivera ’28 (computer science), Luzceleste Delgadillo ’28 (computer science), Mikel Aizpurua ’28 (mechanical engineering), and Peter Slabaugh ’28 (mechanical engineering)
WashSentinel is a laundry security device that detects unauthorized washer or dryer access, sends phone alerts, and prevents theft with a built-in alarm.
KidKlamp (Second place)
Team members: Alexis Herveron ’27 (chemical engineering), Darika Djusupova ’28 (computer science), Jared Murtha ’26 (mechanical engineering), and Mark Short ’25 (aerospace engineering)
KidKlamp offers an easy, accessible way to securely install infant car seat bases with minimal effort, reducing misuse and providing clear feedback for proper installation.
SAFEINITY (Third place)
Team members: Diego Malonado ’27 (computer science), Santiago Sanabria ’26 (mechanical engineering), Ari Spinoza ’28 (electrical engineering), and Owen Wilson ’27 (mechanical engineering)
SAFEINITY is a discreet wearable that sends emergency alerts with location and user info via Wi-Fi—no smartphone needed—with backup eSIM and Bluetooth for added reliability.
VentIQ (Fourth place)
Team members: John Carpio ’27 (mechanical engineering), Suraj Parida ’27 (computer engineering), and Joshua Persaud ’27 (computer science)
VentIQ is an easy-to-attach dryer connector with a built-in manometer that monitors lint buildup.
GripSync
Team members: Gavin Lesk ’27 (mechanical engineering), Barrett Lathrop ’26 (aerospace engineering), and Joshua Edwin Limjuico ’26 (biomedical engineering)
GripSync is a smart grip trainer that gives real-time feedback on grip pressure and swing tempo, helping golfers improve technique through app-based comparisons to professional swing data.
replACE is a mechanical, pedal-operated golf tee system that lets players load balls without bending, ideal for older or less mobile golfers.
Third Eye:
Team members: Alexander Delgado ’27 (computer engineering), Angelo Fernandez ’27 (computer engineering), and Stanley Gao ’27 (computer engineering)
Third Eye is a clip-on wearable that detects people approaching from behind and sends directional audio alerts, enhancing safety and awareness for commuters and the hearing impaired.
AdapTurf:
Team members: Felipe Zuluaga ’27 (aerospace engineering), Juan Jose Quintero ’26 (aerospace engineering), Cameron Mensah ’28 (computer science), and Alsime Gaye (undecided)
AdapTurf is an outsole system that lets athletes safely switch footwear for different sports and turfs using a secure dual locking and screw-in design.
Invent@SU was made possible by program sponsors Michael Lazar and Kim and Michael Venutolo ’77, partner sponsor the Lyons Family Foundation, and prize sponsors Rajive Dhar ‘G90 and Anita Choudry. A special thank you to Bill and Penny Allyn for sponsoring multiple years since 2017.
“Invent@SU pushes students to apply the full rigor of their engineering education—mechanics, electronics, and design—to create real-world solutions under tight deadlines. It’s an intense, hands-on extension of the classroom that challenges and transforms them,” says Kenneth and Mary Ann Shaw Professor of Practice in Entrepreneurial Leadership and Invent@SU Director Alexander Deyhim.
Professor Emeritus in Civil and Environmental Engineering Shobha K. Bhatia
Professor Emeritus in Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) Shobha K. Bhatia was honored with the Robert M. Koerner Award from the Geosynthetics Materials Association (GMA). This prestigious award was established by the GMA in 2016 to honor renowned civil engineer Robert M. Koerner and recognizes individuals who have made a significant impact on the geosynthetics industry in North America.
As part of this recognition, Bhatia delivered a keynote lecture at the GMA and Geo-Institute’s co-located Geotechnical Frontiers Conference on March 4, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky. More than 300 participants attended her lecture.
At the Geotechnical Frontiers Conference, Bhatia participated in a high-level Geosynthetics Industry Round Table focused on advancing the role of women in the geosynthetics industry. Joining six other accomplished women leaders from across the industry, she contributed to a discussion aimed at promoting progress through education, mentorship and professional networking opportunities.
Bhatia also presented two technical papers co-authored with her graduate students, Zeru B. Kiffle and Nuzhath Fatema, which showcased ongoing research and innovation in the field of geosynthetics and geotechnical engineering. She is scheduled to deliver keynote lectures at three other major conferences between 2025 and 2027, further extending the reach and impact of her work in the geosynthetics industry.
“Receiving the Koerner Lecture Award is evidence of the significant impact that Dr. Bhatia’s extensive and innovative research has had on the field of geotechnical engineering. It further reinforces the influence that Dr. Bhatia has had across all facets of her career and her meaningful contributions to improving the lives of others through her research and outreach,” says CEE Department Chair Andria Costello Staniec.
“It is one of the greatest honors of my career to receive the Koerner Lecture Award,” says Bhatia. “This award recognizes the research contributions made by my students and me, and the measurable impact of our work on the geosynthetics industry in North America.”
Since 1980, Clean Harbors has been the leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services across North America. From waste management to industrial cleaning, the company offers a variety of services, including hazardous waste management, emergency spill response, cleaning for industrial facilities, recycling services, and the provision of parts washers.
In addition to the environmental services, Clean Harbors also offers co-ops and internships for engineering students to gain real-world experience. Engineers play a crucial role in the company’s day-to-day operations, and Clean Harbors’ partnership with Syracuse University has supported their mission of a sustainable future while gaining access to the University’s brightest minds prepared to tackle today’s environmental challenges.
“We are proud to highlight the significant contributions of Clean Harbors to the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) Employer Partnership Program. Since the program’s inception two years ago, they have been a steadfast Employer Partner, actively participating in numerous student events and providing invaluable support to our students,” says Assistant Director of Employer Relations & Career Services Jennifer Fazio.
“We see tremendous value in our partnership with Syracuse University, particularly with the College of Engineering and Computer Science. This relationship creates a powerful, mutually beneficial pipeline between industry and academia,” says Vice President of Talent Management Patrick Orr.
Engineers, especially those with backgrounds in environmental or chemical engineering, are involved in the safe handling and disposal of hazardous waste and conducting chemical analysis and lab testing to ensure materials meet safety standards. Engineers also design and optimize waste processing systems and recycling workflows to streamline site operations for better safety and sustainability practices.
Engineers with computer science or data engineering backgrounds analyze field and lab data to improve decision-making and service delivery, use tools to track waste movement and operational metrics and contribute to digital solutions for reporting, sustainability tracking and logistics planning. Engineers may also advise clients and stakeholders on sustainable solutions.
Clean Harbors also operates in several locations across India, providing crucial support services to frontline operations in North America. These teams contribute to a range of functions, including IT, finance, customer service and business process support, providing unique opportunities for international students. There also may be opportunities for top talent in their India locations to transfer or be temporarily assigned to roles in the U.S.
“International students who may be returning to India after graduation could be strong candidates for roles within our Indian operations, offering them the opportunity to apply their U.S.-based education and experience in a dynamic, global company,” says Orr. “We see great potential in building a pipeline of talent who understand both the U.S. and Indian business environments and can help bridge our global teams.”
As Clean Harbors continues to grow its business across the globe, the company looks forward to exploring new opportunities to deepen its relationship with ECS.
“As one of our valued Employer Partners, we deeply appreciate Clean Harbors’ dedication and support. We look forward to continuing to build a mutually beneficial relationship with them, working together to create more opportunities for our students and advancing the field of engineering and computer science,” says Fazio.
“Ultimately, this partnership helps build the next generation of environmental and operational leaders. It’s a win for Clean Harbors, a win for Syracuse University and a win for the future of sustainable industry,” says Orr.
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) Professor Endadul Hoque hosted a Capture the Flag (CTF) cybersecurity competition in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS). These competitions provide a gamified, hands-on approach to cybersecurity education, helping students strengthen their problem-solving skills and prepare for real-world security challenges.
“It’s an effective way to improve security education and a great way to foster a more competitive and engaged cybersecurity workforce,” says Hoque.
In CTF competitions, participants search for hidden text strings in vulnerable websites or programs. A warm-up session was organized during the spring 2025 semester at the Center for Science and Technology with 18 undergraduate students in attendance. Hoque’s PhD students—Siwei Zhang, Polina Kozyreva, and Uday Devaraj—were also part of the organizing team.
“This was our department’s first-ever CTF initiative. The session was a great success and generated a lot of positive energy among participants,” Hoque says.
The CTF initiatives are a part of Hoque’s efforts to bolster the EECS department and engage students outside the classroom. He will form a team to participate in competitions by hosting more sessions and getting students involved while promoting cybersecurity awareness.
“Organizing a CTF challenge for undergraduates allowed me to inspire and encourage younger minds to apply their skills in new ways and deepen their understanding of this ever-evolving field. I hope the experience fuels their passion for computer science and supports their journey beyond academia,” says Kozyreva.
“The response was overwhelmingly positive, with participants calling it fun, engaging, and thrilling. Instead of focusing on technical depth, we aimed to build a creative, collaborative CTF community. It was incredibly rewarding to see everyone enjoying the event!” says Zhang.
“The CTF event was a great experience, and my first time helping organize one. The excitement was contagious, especially when students celebrated their wins by capturing the flag. I’m grateful for the opportunity,” says Devaraj.
Mechanical and aerospace engineering doctoral student Melissa Yeung has received Zonta International’s 2025 Amelia Earhart Fellowship, a prestigious award that supports women pursuing doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering. The award honors aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart. Zonta International is a global organization that supports women and girls.
The Amelia Earhart fellowship offers financial support to help women further their education and advance their careers. Promising and talented women from top-tier universities all over the globe are selected by Zonta International for the Amelia Earhart Fellowship every year. During her time at the College of Engineering and Computer Science, Yeung has demonstrated an exemplary academic record in aerospace engineering research, joining the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) last year.
“Winning the Amelia Earhart Fellowship affirms my aspirations to be a leader in the field, motivating me to continue my efforts in uplifting and supporting other women in STEM. It serves as a reminder that I am not alone in my journey and challenges, and I am excited to be among a community of women equally as passionate about advancing aerospace engineering,” says Yeung.
“Melissa’s Amelia Earhart Fellowship is not just a recognition of her achievements—it’s a celebration of her potential. From the moment she joined my lab, she has impressed me with her intellect, initiative, and kindness. As someone who knows how much this fellowship can mean, I’m thrilled to see it now honoring someone so deserving. She’s already leading with purpose, and this is just the beginning,” says Yiyang Sun, assistant professor in mechanical and aerospace engineering.
Pankaj K. Jha in the Quantum Technology Laboratory
Detecting single photons—the smallest unit of light—is crucial for advanced quantum technologies such as optical quantum computing, communication and ultra-sensitive imaging. Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) are the most efficient means of detecting single photons and these detectors can count many photons rapidly, have few false counts, and provide precise timing. However, most of these detectors operate only at very low temperatures.
Pankaj K. Jha, an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, has received a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop single-photon detectors using iron-based superconductors that can operate at higher temperatures. The single-photon detectors he is developing will make these devices smaller, easier to access, and more scalable.
“The generation, manipulation, and detection of single photons lies at the heart of optical quantum technologies. Losing a photon means a loss of information, whether that information is encoded in a photonic qubit or represents an image of a distant satellite,” explains Jha.
These high-temperature SNSPDs will also advance the field of quantum technology, enabling photon-starved deep-space imaging, on-chip quantum photonics, and optical quantum computing, as well as applications in biomedical research. The development of these single-photon detectors supports the goals of the National Quantum Initiative Act of 2018 and the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, both of which aim to promote the advancement of quantum technologies.
The project will also focus on enhancing science education and training for the future workforce, offering hands-on research opportunities in quantum technology to students from K-12 through undergraduate levels.
Assistant Professor in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Endadul Hoque, and Ph.D. student, Polina Kozyreva, have received the Best Paper Award at the International Workshop on Search-Based and Fuzz Testing (SBFT 2025). They received the award for their paper, “On Evaluating Fuzzers with Context-Sensitive Fuzzed Inputs: A Case Study on PKCS#1-v1.5.”
Fuzz testing is an automated software testing technique where you input random or invalid data into a program to identify bugs and vulnerabilities.
SBFT is a two-day workshop that includes a research track, keynote presentations, and testing tool competitions. The primary goal of this workshop is to bring together researchers and industry practitioners from the fields of software-based testing, fuzzing, and the broader software engineering community to share their experiences and discuss future research focused on automating software testing. Additionally, the workshop promotes the integration of search and fuzzing techniques with other areas of software engineering.
The SBFT 2025 workshop was held in Ottawa, Canada, and co-located with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)/Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) International Conference on Software Engineering (ICSE 2025), a top-tier software engineering conference. Kozyreva presented their paper and received the award on behalf of the team.
“I am extremely honored to receive the Best Paper Award, especially as this was the first paper I had the pleasure of working on with my advisor and presenting in front of leading experts who inspire me to grow and strive to become a contributor to the field—someone whose work benefits the community,” Kozyreva says.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see this work with Polina win the Best Paper Award at such a prestigious workshop. As a first-year PhD student, she not only worked on the paper but also presented it herself and did a fantastic job. Achieving a best paper award so early in her PhD is a remarkable milestone and a strong boost as she continues the follow-up project. She’s shown both tremendous potential and tenacity—I’m excited to see where she takes her research next,” says Hoque.
Stretching more than 5 million acres, the Adirondack Park is one of the largest protected areas in the United States. The region is home to over 3,000 lakes, diverse wildlife and habitats, making it an ideal location for research on different ecosystems. For the past two semesters, environmental engineering graduate student Amos Bungei has been conducting research in this unique environment, focusing on dissolved organic carbon and its effects on the Adirondack Lakes.
Dissolved organic carbon, also known as DOC, is organic matter, such as plants and soil, that is broken down and can be found in aquatic ecosystems. It plays a crucial role in the movement of carbon throughout the planet and is a main food source for aquatic animals. However, when the amount of DOC in a lake is high, it can impact the effects of solar radiation, increase the differing water temperatures within the lake, and decrease oxygen levels in the lake water. DOC can also increase the cost of the water treatment process since it impacts water quality.
Bungei’s research focuses on identifying the causes behind the increasing concentration of DOC in the lakes that have been observed in the Northeastern regions of the United States and Northern Europe. “We’ve been seeing a rise in concentration of dissolved organic carbon in the Adirondacks since 1982,” says Bungei. “My goal is to determine the drivers of this increase in dissolved organic carbon to support appropriate measures.”
To explore potential causes, Bungei has been running machine-learning models combining data from 48 lakes in the Adirondack region, watershed data from the U.S. Geological Survey, and other factors such as rain and temperature. He then assesses the results against the results for carbon quality, and he’s found that DOC primarily comes from wetlands.
“Lakes in watersheds that have huge proportions of wetlands tend to have higher concentrations of DOC,” he says. “Increases in dissolved organic carbon are primarily supported by a rise in pH, which has been observed across the Adirondack since the passing of the Clean Air Act of 1970. The Act led to the reduction of sulfur dioxide emissions, which contributed to acid rain. Over the years, the reduction in system acidity has facilitated easier mobilization of organic matter from land to the lakes, and that is why we are observing increases.”
Bungei attended the American Geophysical Union 2024 Conference, the largest annual Earth science conference in the world, where he presented his research, catching the attention of several attendees. He also connected with faculty, students, and professionals who share similar research interests, gaining insights into the latest developments in the field.
“It was a great experience,” he says. “You discuss your results, you gain new insights and get interesting takes on what you’re looking into.”
Bungei hopes to develop a machine learning model that can predict the patterns of organic carbon concentration in various lakes and regions across the globe. “This research will be crucial to the future of Earth science, and I look forward to contributing to these efforts.”
Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Cliff Davidson was recognized by the Hyo Jeong International Foundation for Environmental Peace and Universal Peace Federation for his outstanding leadership, valuable contributions and investment in environmental engineering and education. Davidson was invited to speak at the Universal Peace Federation’s World Summit 2025.
The summit’s main theme was “Global Crisis Response and a Sustainable International Peace Alliance.” Davidson delivered a 20-minute presentation on the topic, “Advances in Science and Technology and the Demand for a New Worldview,” giving an overview of significant scientific and technological approaches that address environmental issues. The speech was followed by an open discussion.
The summit was held in Seoul, Korea, on April 10-14. Political and religious leaders, and experts from a variety of other fields from 117 nations were in attendance.
The College of Engineering and Computer Science is proud to name Bing Dong as the Traugott Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. This endowed professorship is made possible by a 1998 gift from the late Fritz Traugott H’98 and his wife Frances.
Dong holds a dozen patents and has published more than 130 peer-reviewed papers with approximately 11,500 citations. Since joining Syracuse University in 2019, he has served as the Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI on over 20 projects, totaling more than $15 million in funding.
Dong’s research sits at the intersection of building performance, human behavior, and urban infrastructure. Using physics-informed machine learning, optimization, and AI-enabled controls, his goal is to improve energy efficiency while ensuring the productivity and comfort of building occupants.
Since earning his Ph.D. in Building Performance and Diagnostics from Carnegie Mellon University, Dong has been a leader in the field of building science. He received a 2023 World Fellowship from the International Building Performance Simulation Association (IBPSA), Syracuse University’s first such fellow and one of only two U.S. members in the biennial cohort. Dong also received a 2023 Distinguished Service Award from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), in which he was the only New York state honoree. He is the recipient of the NSF CAREER award and several best paper awards from international journals.
“Bing’s innovative research and commitment to improving energy systems is exactly what Fritz and Frances Traugott had intended when they established the endowed professorship,” says Engineering and Computer Science Dean J. Cole Smith. “Their vision and commitment to this important work is supporting breakthroughs from Bing and his research team.”
“Bing has been integral to our work at the Syracuse Center of Excellence,” says Professor Jianshun “Jensen” Zhang, CoE’s Executive Director. “In collaboration with our academic and industry partners, he is advancing research across multi-scales of the built environment and developing cutting edge technologies for improving energy efficiency, environmental quality and human health.”
Fritz Traugott came to Syracuse University through a Marshall Plan work-study initiative for young engineers. He retired in 1990 after a long career with Robson & Woese Inc., a Syracuse-based consulting engineering firm. In establishing the Traugott Professorship, Fritz and Frances Traugott specifically wished to support energy systems engineering research in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, making Dong’s work an ideal match.
“It is truly a great honor to be the Traugott endowed professor,” says Dong. “I will continue Mr. Traugott’s vision of conducting research and education in energy system engineering.”
Shikha Nangia, professor and department chair of biomedical and chemical engineering (BMCE), has received the Chancellor’s Citation for Excellence in Faculty Excellence and Scholarly Distinction. This award acknowledges faculty members who engage in collaborative work with significant intellectual value and have the potential for future impact. The contributions of these nominees create opportunities for collaboration both within the University and with external partners.
Nangia joined Syracuse University in 2012 and has since established herself as a leading expert in computational modeling, focusing on overcoming biological barriers. Her groundbreaking research addresses critical challenges in treating complex diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as investigating gut tight junctions, implantable device-related infections, and epigenetics.
She has published extensively in leading scientific journals such as Biomacromolecules, Macromolecules, Langmuir, Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS), and Journal of Biological Chemistry (JBC). Her work has been featured on the covers of journals including Biomacromolecules, Langmuir, Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation, and Journal of Physical Chemistry. She has been recognized with several honors, including the ACS OpenEye Outstanding Junior Faculty Award (2016) and the ACS Women Chemists Committee Rising Star Award (2022).
Since 2012, Nangia has mentored approximately 110 students at various stages of their academic journeys, including graduate students, undergraduates, and high school students. Her dedication to teaching and mentoring has earned her numerous prestigious awards, such as the College Technology Educator of the Year (2016), the Meredith Teaching Recognition Award (2017), the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Education (2017), the Chancellor’s Citation Award for Outstanding Contributions to Student Experience and University Initiatives (2019), and the Excellence in Graduate Education Faculty Recognition Award (2022).
Currently, Nangia serves as the faculty co-director of the Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) program. She leads several impactful initiatives, including the NSF Interactive Biomaterials REU site and the NIH ESTEEMED program, which focuses on undergraduate research training. She was named department chair of biomedical and chemical engineering in 2025 after serving an interim role in 2024.
The Chancellor’s Citation for Excellence award was presented to Nangia at the One University Awards Ceremony, an annual event to honor members of the Syracuse University community who are making a difference through academics, work, and dedicated service. The ceremony was held Friday, April 11, in Hendricks Chapel.
Civil and environmental engineering student teams participated in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Sustainable Solutions and Steel Bridge competitions during the 2025 Upstate New York-Canada Student Symposium, winning first place in the Sustainable Solutions competition. The symposium was held at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.
The ASCE Student Symposium challenges students to explore and implement sustainable solutions, allowing them to apply their skills and knowledge to real-world challenges. Competitions such as Sustainable Solutions encourage students to deepen their understanding of sustainability and learn how to integrate sustainable solutions into everyday engineering problems.
“We presented a redevelopment proposal focused on transforming a vacant office complex into a vibrant, sustainable, and affordable housing community. The design incorporated green roofs, passive solar design, greywater recycling, and community-oriented amenities such as a public garden, amphitheater and small local businesses,” says environmental engineering student Brooklyn Toller ’27.
The Steel Bridge competition challenges students to design and build a scale-model steel bridge. During the fall semester, students create a design based on specifications provided by the ASCE and draft plans for the construction of a 20-foot scale model. The goal is to minimize the bridge’s weight while ensuring it can support a load of 2,500 pounds.
The student team took first place for cost estimation, a category in the Steel Bridge competition, and came in 6th place overall.
“It was intriguing to look at the other teams’ designs and construction processes. Seeing new and different intricacies from the other schools really allowed me to start thinking about ways that our bridge could be improved, which will help us improve our bridge design and construction process for years to come,” says civil engineering student Evan Garcia ’28.
The ASCE Syracuse student chapter also participated in the Mead Paper competition, where students tackle complex issues about engineering ethics, allowing them to examine and communicate the purpose and responsibilities of a civil engineer.
“I was elected by my chapter to enter into the Daniel W. Mead Student Prize Paper Competition. This opportunity allowed me to practice both my written and oral communication skills. I am very proud of the work that I put forth and am a better public speaker because of it,” says civil engineering student Shannon O’Kane ’28.
The Sustainable Solutions team will participate in the ASCE’s national championships. The competition will be held June 27-29 at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
Biomedical and chemical engineering (BMCE) students presented their senior capstone design projects in Link Hall. The presentations consisted of eight biomedical engineering teams and six chemical engineering teams. Members of the BMCE Advisory Board, consisting of industrial and academic representatives, served as judges for the poster session. This senior design course challenges students to study real-world issues and develop a solution from concept to prototype.
Biomedical Engineering
OrthoClamp
Total Hip Drill Guide Clamp
Members: Jack Sipperly, Luke Spears, Farrah Sousa
Client: Tim Damron, MD, Orthopedic Surgery, Upstate University Hospital
Peptify
Generation of Versatile Prokaryotic-based Peptide and Protein Library Interaction Screening
Members: Ashraf Alnatour, Jennifer Gonzalez, Samantha Fernandez
Client: Dr. Aliji Bah, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Upstate Medical University
VISABLE
Rotational Laparoscopic Lens
Members: Aidan McCarthy, Luke Rogers, Jason Bae
Client: Timothy Shope, MD, Surgery, Upstate University Hospital
EyeVRgence
Optimizing Vision Restoration Therapies Using VR Technology
Members: Quinn Langdon, Danny Vu, Shayna Marcano
Client: Dr. Darwin Babino, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Upstate Medical University
Over the past two semesters, 61 mechanical and aerospace students across 15 teams partnered with 15 sponsoring companies to tackle real-world engineering challenges. Their work reflected not just technical excellence, but also innovation, teamwork, and professionalism.
“This program wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our faculty mentors, whose guidance connects classroom learning to real-world application. A heartfelt thank you as well to our industry sponsors for their continued support and valuable feedback,” said Professor Alex Deyhim.
The Campos Student Center, a community space designed for engineering and computer science students, was dedicated on April 28th. Made possible by the generosity of the Campos Companies and its employees, this center reflects the commitment of Marco Campos and his family to make STEM education accessible to all students. The student center is located on the second floor of the Center for Science and Technology and offers a variety of weekly programs that foster academic success, community-building and collaboration.
Marco Campos, Deanna Campos-Miller and Engineering and Computer Science Dean J. Cole Smith joined Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud for the ribbon cutting and a reception with students.
“The Campos Center has become such a meaningful space for me where I have felt more connected to fellow students and staff! It is not just a place to study or attend events, it is a space where ECS students can relax, recharge, and truly feel part of a welcoming and supportive community,” said computer science student Daniella Lat ‘27
“I am very grateful that the Campos Center opened during my undergrad at Syracuse University. It has created a welcoming environment that truly feels like home on campus,” said computer science student Brianna Anthony ’26.
“The Campos Student Center has been an empowering space for students in ECS. Earlier in the semester we participated in the #ILookLikeAnEngineer Polaroid campaign. Students of very diverse backgrounds were able to express themselves with pride. In the polaroids, students were able to hold flags and signs that represented who they were as engineering and computer science students. This event reaffirmed students place in ECS despite their heritage, gender, ethnicity, religious background, or sexual orientation. Everybody was welcomed and celebrated. At this event we also hosted a professional photographer to provide students with professional head shots. This event was so beneficial for supporting students as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives,” said civil engineering junior Max Chandler.
“The Campos Student Center is a place for students to simply be, with no pretenses or expectations, and to know that they’ll be met with understanding, acceptance, and encouragement. Marco and Deanna have often used the phrase ‘home-away-from-home,’ and the Campos Student Center has become exactly that for students across our College,” said Director of Inclusive Excellence Abby Fite.
Aerospace engineering seniors had a chance to test their aircraft designs in the JMA Wireless Dome as part of the annual Flight Day event. Student teams designed and constructed their aircraft over the course of the spring semester and tested their ability to stay airborne and carry a load of gold balls.
(Left to right:) Andrew Tedesco, Zachary Starr and Luis Santin
Since the fall of 2022, Orange Robotics has been hard at work designing, developing software and creating strategies to participate in competitions hosted by VEX Robotics, a global robotics program.
“We have local VEX competitions we’ve gone to,” says Luis Santin ’24 G’25, an electrical engineering graduate student and the club’s president. “We stay within the local New York area to compete and get invited to the world championship.”
Through determination and teamwork, the team qualified for the 2023 VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas. Competing against 150 other teams, Orange Robotics achieved a top 25 ranking, setting a new record for their team.
“That was our first time doing that and to be ranked that high was the highlight,” says Santin.
As the next global competition approaches, the team has been modifying its robots. Every year, VEX Robotics introduces a new game for teams to compete in, challenging teams to adapt their designs. The objective of this year’s game is to score higher than the opposing teams by placing rings on stakes and placing mobile goals in the corners of the ring. At the end of the match, teams can score more points by having their robots climb a ladder; the higher they climb, the more points they receive.
“Our robots from last year are no good for this game, so there’s a lot of tweaking and testing and building on top of the software from last year,” says computer engineering student Zach Starr ’25.
“In addition to all the mechanical work, we also have to write a bunch of code to make the bots operate. The robot is essentially just reading inputs from the controllers and translating that into what motors need to move,” says computer science student Andrew Tedesco ’26. “The real complexity comes when we want to automate things, to allow the robot to perform actions without direct human control. Autonomous operation is vital for performing well at competition.”
The team has two robots, one measuring 15 inches and the other measuring 24 inches. Since competing robots have size limits, the team has been especially careful to remain within the specified margins as they upgrade their robots for the competition.
“The robots took about two months to put together,” says Starr. “We’ve been planning since the summer.”
“The front of the robot takes the ring from the floor and scoops it up. Then we have the conveyor hook design, which is what carries the rings from the front of the robot to the back. Having all that work together is the hardest part,” says Santin.
“Effective autonomous systems depend heavily on using lots of sensors to tell the robot what state it is in—where it is on the field, what direction it is facing, and what position its mechanisms are in,” says Tedesco. “These systems take a good amount of effort to implement in the code, and they often require a lot of tuning to get working well.”
The 2025 Vex World Championships will be taking place in Dallas, Texas, from May 6–14, 2025. The event will include competitions at all levels, from middle school to college.
(Left to right:) Brady McKenna ’25, James Jabbour ’25 and Alexandra Vaida ’25 standing beside Chamber D at NASA’s Johnson Space Center
For decades, NASA’s testing chambers have been used to simulate the harsh conditions of space, allowing engineers to test the durability of spacecraft and other equipment in a controlled environment. These testing chambers, which can simulate extreme temperature or pressure environments, have played a crucial role in developing new technology for space travel, dating back to the first Apollo space mission.
Collaborating with NASA on their senior design capstone project, four mechanical and aerospace engineering students, Liam Collins ’25, James Jabbour ’25, Brady McKenna ’25 and Alexandra Vaida ’25, are gaining real-world experience building a mechanical actuator test stand for one of NASA’s testing chambers, Chamber D. Chamber D will be used to test next generation spacesuit gloves and boots at extremely low temperatures. The mechanical actuator will apply force to the test article, allowing engineers and suit designers to analyze the thermal performance of spacesuit gloves and boots as NASA prepares to return to the moon and beyond.
To gain a better understanding of their design, the team visited NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, meeting with engineers across various disciplines, including the Chamber D team and industry experts. The team presented their designs and received feedback from various engineers, as well as tours of the Space Environmental Simulation Laboratory and the spacesuit laboratory.
“There were small vacuum chambers to test spacesuits and big, massive vacuum chambers to test the James Webb telescope, which is hundreds of feet tall. It was incredible to see that. It’s an engineer’s candy shop. Walking in, seeing all this technology they’ve built and are using, it’s mind-blowing,” says Jabbour.
“It was interesting to see the test sites because we were able to get tours of the facility as well as meet with the engineers. The scale of all their testing was interesting to see in person and it was helpful for our capstone,” says Vaida.
“We got to meet electrical engineers, controls engineers, thermal engineers and subject matter experts. It was great to hear their perspective on our design, which helped us better understand what we’re doing and how we’re approaching it,” says McKenna.
In the past, the testing plate in the chamber remained stationary, and test operators would move test articles to touch the plate. What sets Chamber D apart from previous testing is that the contact plate moves toward the test article, rather than requiring test articles to move to the plate. This design choice gives test operators flexibility and gives the students creativity in designing a truly novel system.
“We’re trying to make it as versatile as we can so different spacesuit companies can use it for whatever test they need,” says Vaida.
“Our test stand also meets extreme temperature and vacuum requirements that many other chambers cannot, which is unique to our project,” says McKenna.
The team has been prototyping and testing their mechanical actuator for final presentations and delivery to the Johnson Space Center in May. Final presentations will take place toward the end of the 2025 spring semester.
“I am very proud of my team for how we handled the adversity. No one ever complained and we all did what we could to help each other, which was great to see,” says Collins.
“Chamber D will be the Earth’s sandbox for testing technology that will be exposed to the coldest, darkest regions of the moon and beyond,” says Stephen Baker, project manager of NASA’s Systems Test Branch. “No other chamber in the world has the combination of thermal capabilities, size, and convenience. I’m happy with the progress I’ve been seeing on this project.”
“Liam, James, Brady, and Alexandra made the most of this incredible opportunity to collaborate with NASA on testing next-gen spacesuit components. Their visit to Johnson Space Center truly highlights the value of hands-on, experiential learning,” says Kenneth and Mary Ann Shaw Professor of Practice Alexander Deyhim.
Joining Syracuse University’s faculty at 23 years old, Distinguished Professor Pramod K. Varshney has exemplified Orange excellence. A world-renowned researcher and educator, he’s been recognized for his seminal contributions to information fusion and related fields, introducing new, innovative courses to the University. He’s also been an invaluable mentor to countless students on their academic and professional journeys. Supervising 68 Ph.D. dissertations thus far, he’s bolstered the career paths of many students.
Now, Pramod and his late wife Anju G’86, G’90 will continue their support for the University by creating a legacy that will impact generations to come. “Anju and I bled Orange,” says Pramod. “What we wanted to do was leave a legacy which would keep and grow the excellence that we have at Syracuse University in the mission of education.”
The Varshneys have established the Pramod and Anju Varshney Endowed Faculty Fellowship to recognize and support a promising research-focused scholar dedicated to mentoring doctoral students, just as Pramod has. This esteemed professor will hold a full-time faculty position in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) within the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS).
“The person [for this position] should be an agent of change,” says Pramod. “They should be transformational in research but have something else—a discovery that will serve humanity, working with groups that are outside of the University, or helping underprivileged students to realize their dream of going to college. Do something in our society that makes a difference.”
This fellowship is yet another example of Pramod and Anju’s commitment to promoting excellence at Syracuse University. In 2018, they established an endowed fund that provides annual scholarships and financial assistance to EECS graduate students pursuing their doctorates.
“The first ECS news story I ever read was about Pramod and Anju’s dedication to EECS Ph.D. students,” says Dean J. Cole Smith. “In reading that article, I was instantly struck by how much they mean to Syracuse University and what a lasting impact they have had on countless generations of ECS students. Now, the Varshney Endowed Faculty Fellowship will support and honor EECS faculty members as they set out to make their own research and societal impacts.”
This continued support reflects the Varshney’s dedication to empowering students to become leading figures in their fields—a sentiment shared by many of Pramod’s former students.
“I consider myself fortunate that Professor Varshney was my Ph.D. advisor at Syracuse University,” says Kotikalapudi Sriram G ’83, a former doctoral student. “He remains a true source of inspiration and professional support for me and many former SU students I know.”
“His guidance has meant everything to me—shaping not only my academic and professional growth but also my approach to problem-solving and collaboration,” says former doctoral student Engin Masazade G’10. “His unwavering support, insightful advice, and dedication to his students have had a profound impact on my journey, and I am incredibly grateful to have learned from him.”
Pramod hopes this fellowship will set a precedent of appreciation for the college, inspiring others to give back to the University. “I’ve loved being able to interact with a large number of graduate students from all over the world, who have gone on to do great things,” says Pramod. “My hope is that this fellowship will help keep the University and EECS growing, becoming further well-known around the world as a great place for education and scholarship.”
Farzana Rahman, an associate teaching professor in electrical engineering and computer science (EECS), has received the Chancellor’s Citation for Excellence in Outstanding Contributions to the Student Experience and University Initiatives. This award acknowledges faculty and staff who enhance the undergraduate experience for students or make contributions to supporting and advancing the University’s mission and goals through their work.
Rahman joined the College of Engineering and Computer Science in the spring of 2020. Over the past 12 years as an educator, she has blended evidence-based teaching practices with personalized mentoring, inclusive curriculum design and a deep commitment to student-centered learning. She has also designed and led multiple student engagement and experience initiatives to ensure that EECS students are not only successful in their studies but also feel a strong sense of belonging, agency and purpose.
Among her achievements in student engagement is the Inclusion Triangle, a framework to address three critical dimensions of student success: access, belonging and agency. Rahman also created Research Exposure for Students from Historically Overlooked and Resource-Constrained backgrounds (RESORC), which is a signature student engagement program that provides early research exposure to students who have traditionally faced systemic barriers, supporting students in building both technical expertise and a strong research identity.
“Receiving the Chancellor’s Award is both an incredible honor and a deeply personal milestone. It reflects the heart of my work—creating spaces where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive,” she says. “For me, this recognition goes beyond individual achievement; it represents the shared journeys, challenges, and growth I’ve been privileged to experience alongside my students and colleagues.
“This award affirms my belief in the transformative power of inclusion, mentorship, and student-centered learning in higher education. It renews my commitment to fostering learning environments and student experiences where every student feels a true sense of belonging and is equipped to reach their fullest potential—both within the university and far beyond it.”
The Chancellor’s Citation for Excellence award will be presented to Rahman at the One University Awards Ceremony, an annual event to honor members of the Syracuse University community who are making a difference through academics, work and dedicated service. The ceremony will be held Friday, April 11, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel.
“I am deeply grateful to my incredible colleagues whose support have been instrumental in shaping and sustaining my work, to my amazing students who continue to inspire me with their curiosity, resilience, and passion, and to Syracuse University for providing me with the platform to bring these ideas to life and create meaningful impact in computing education.”
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Professor Younes Ra’di and doctoral students Pardha Sourya Nayani and Morteza Moradi received the Best Electromagnetics Paper Award at the 19th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP) for their paper titled “Approaching Fundamental Limits on Bandwidth-To-Thickness Ratio for Electrically Thin Absorbers Through Dispersion Engineering.” The conference was held in Stockholm, Sweden from March 30th through April 3rd.
EuCAP is one of the largest and most significant antennas and propagation conference attracting more than 1700 participants from academia and industry, and more than 50 industrial exhibitors from all over the world. The conference is sponsored by the European Association on Antennas and Propagation.
“It is a great honor to receive the Best Electromagnetic Paper Award among more than 1,300 papers submitted from around the world at such a prestigious conference,” says Ra’di. “Huge congratulations to my brilliant students, Pardha Sourya Nayani and Morteza Moradi, for their exceptional work and dedication that made this achievement possible.”
The 19th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP)
After completing an “Intro to AI” course in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS), Emma Bellai ’25 was eager to apply everything she learned in class to her internship with Verizon. Joining the Global Network and Technology team as an AI intern, the timing was perfect, as the AI boom in recent years opened exciting opportunities for exploration in this field.
“One class is all it takes to make the difference and that’s what happened to me,” says Bellai, a computer science student.
In just 10 weeks, Bellai explored how prompt engineering and personas are used in AI chatbots and her background in AI research was a huge help. Prompt engineering involves writing instructions that guide AI chatbots to respond to questions or complete tasks. Personas guide the chatbot’s tone of voice or the way the chatbot speaks. Using specific personas are a great way to make AI chatbots sound more human, which helps personalize their responses.
“The chatbot would talk differently to a CEO than it would to a software engineer,” says Bellai. “The main focus of my work was seeing how to optimize personas for different people. To see the results of my work and having an application on the website that I worked on was very rewarding.”
A typical day at the office involved researching the latest developments in AI, preparing presentations on new concepts she was learning and communicating with her team and personal mentor. Interns were encouraged to engage with others in the company through coffee chats, and Bellai had the opportunity to speak with many employees, including senior leadership and the CEO.
“They wanted to hear from young voices and AI applications from my perspective,” says Bellai. “I got to speak with the CEO at least two or three times, which is great because I feel like at other companies, you don’t get that opportunity.”
Interning with Verizon connected Bellai with the company’s extensive network of professionals, including Syracuse University alumni. She also had an opportunity to share her experiences and insights during a live stream to the entire company. Bellai’s hard work and enthusiasm for her role paid off, as she was offered a full-time position and will return to Verizon after graduation.
“If you have a really great professor that makes you genuinely care about the topic you’re learning about, it can make such a big difference down the line,” says Bellai. “ECS gave me the confidence to go into the internship and I felt like I was put in a good position to thrive.”
Get to know the marketing and communications staff at the College of Engineering and Computer Science!
Name: Alex Dunbar
Title: Marketing and Communications Manager
Tell us about your role at ECS:
I oversee the college’s internal and external communications including news stores, publications, social media, digital signage and marketing efforts.
What is your favorite part of working here at ECS?
I’m from an engineering family so I love telling the stories of our students, our faculty and our staff. It is a lot of fun to cover the world class research and innovative projects happening every day in Engineering and Computer Science.
Name: Chris Barbera
Title: Communications Coordinator
Tell us about your role at ECS:
I collaborate with partners across ECS to support marketing and communication initiatives. My primary areas of focus are developing and distributing marketing content, brand management, and managing publication projects.
What is your favorite part of working here at ECS?
I like that my work is ultimately in support of young people getting an education, and a strong start to their careers and adult lives.
Name: Kwami Maranga
Title: Writer
Tell us about your role at ECS:
I write content that highlights research, alumni and excellence within ECS. I also assist other offices within ECS with writing projects.
What is your favorite part of working here at ECS?
I enjoy speaking with students and faculty about their research, collaborating with my team and interacting with coworkers.
Name: Emma Ertinger
Title: Assistant Director of Communications, Syracuse Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems
Tell us about your role at ECS:
I manage all the digital and print outreach for SyracuseCoE, including our newsletter, social media, marketing materials, and event promotion. I work with our faculty, students, staff, and partner organizations to amplify the innovative research they are doing related to clean energy, healthy buildings, and resilient communities.
What is your favorite part of working here at ECS?
I appreciate that everyone at ECS is willing to take the time to help each other out, answer questions, and share resources. Also, working in a LEED-certified building (727 E. Washington Street) is very cool!
Members of the College of Engineering and Computer Science will be honored at the annual One University Awards Ceremony for their excellence in academics, work and dedicated service. The ceremony will be held Friday, April 11, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel. The following awards will be presented:
Outstanding Contributions to the Student Experience and University Initiatives
Farzana Rahman, Associate Teaching Professor in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
This award acknowledges faculty and staff who, through their work, enhance the undergraduate experience for students or make invaluable contributions to supporting and advancing the University’s mission and goals.
The Faculty Excellence and Scholarly Distinction Award
Shikha Nangia, Professor and Biomedical and Chemical Engineering Department Chair
This award is intended for faculty members who are collaborators in work of intellectual richness that has the potential for future impact. The work of these nominees offers possibilities for collaboration within the University and outside in partnership with others.
Student-Athlete Award
Emma Klein, Chemical Engineering Student and Women’s Soccer
This award recognizes the top female and top male student athletes and are presented to the senior student-athletes with the highest cumulative grade point average over the course of their academic and athletic careers.
The 2022-2025 Meredith Professors
Julie Hasenwinkel, Associate Provost for Academic Programs
Alexander Deyhim (Early Performance), Kenneth and Mary Ann Shaw Professor of Practice in Entrepreneurial Leadership
The Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professorships for Teaching Excellencewere created in 1995 to recognize and reward outstanding teaching among faculty. In 2001, the Meredith Professorship Program was expanded to recognize teaching excellence by non-tenured faculty and adjunct and part-time instructors.
As the end of the spring semester and final exams approach, we’ve gathered some tips from ECS peer leaders on how they study for exams. Here’s what they had to say:
Isabella Perkins | Chemical Engineering | 2025
Create your own study guides for classes: making the study guide is a form of studying in itself.
Make sure you’re going to the professor’s office hours to clear up any questions you had on any past coursework.
Try to work through practice questions or rework homework questions without referencing your notes.
Take frequent breaks when studying for long periods of time and make sure you’re eating and drinking enough.
Switch between subjects every once and a while when studying to prevent burnout.
Michael Wehrle | Mechanical Engineering | 2025
As a senior, I’ve gained a lot of experience in tackling challenging coursework. During my freshman year, I primarily studied alone in my room and managed to achieve decent grades. However, in my sophomore year, I began to bond with other mechanical and aerospace engineering students, and we formed a small study group.
Collaborating with classmates made a significant difference; we would post problems on whiteboards and work through them together. Discussing concepts and explaining problems to one another enhanced our understanding and benefited the entire group.
From my experience at Syracuse, I’ve found that bringing a pack of Expo markers to a study room or classroom is one of the most effective ways to prepare for tough exams.
I will always be grateful for stepping out of my comfort zone to study with other students. We’re all in the same boat, tackling challenging classes, and having support makes a world of difference compared to struggling alone. I’m really glad I reached out and built friendships; we still stay close and not only study together but also enjoy time together socially.
Kana Wong | Civil Engineering | 2025
I study by retaking notes, putting together a good cheat sheet, and redoing homework problems or practice exams.
To combat stress, I try to get things done early when I know that exams are coming up.
I find time to do work around my clubs and social life because I’ve found that without those scheduled breaks, studying becomes much harder and less productive.
Even when she was just starting out, Carey Smith G’91 knew management was the direction she wanted to take her career. Like many promising young engineers, she wanted to work at IBM and took a position as a systems engineer at their Owego, NY site right after she graduated from Ohio Northern University with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.
IBM’s Owego site supported special operations, and she worked on avionics system engineering and software development. She would be involved with a system throughout its entire life cycle from design and development to integration and testing. That broad view of problem solving and mission effectiveness helped inspire a desire in her to lead.
“Engineering gives you a background,” says Smith. “The ability to ask questions. You have the technical background to ask the right questions.”
Smith decided to take advantage of a unique partnership between IBM and Syracuse University. Engineering and Computer Science faculty would travel to IBM’s campus twice a week and teach classes onsite for IBM employees who wanted to earn a master’s degree while they were working.
“It was a very good program and allowed me to move forward with my education while still working at IBM,” says Smith. “Syracuse is such a well-regarded university and the faculty were outstanding.”
Her first move into management was as a flight simulation engineering department manager at IBM. That led to managerial promotions at IBM and then leadership roles with Loral Corporation (acquired IBM Federal), Lockheed Martin (acquired Loral) and Honeywell. In 2016, she joined Parsons as president of the company’s Federal Business Unit. She was promoted to chief operating officer (COO) in 2018, president and COO in 2019, assumed the role of chief executive officer in 2021, and now serves as Parsons Corporation’s Chair, President, and CEO.
Her first three years as CEO of Parsons Corporation marked a significant chapter in the company’s evolution from a traditional engineering firm to an advanced technology leader in national security and critical infrastructure. Since assuming the role of CEO in 2021, Smith has steered the organization through substantial growth and transformation.
Under Smith’s leadership, Parsons embraced digital solutions and technology innovation. She has strategically focused the company on high-growth markets, high profit and enduring markets including space and missile defense, cyber and intelligence, critical infrastructure protection, transportation, environmental remediation and urban development. She also initiated internal research and development and acquired 14 technology-differentiated companies since 2017 to be an industry leader in applying innovation and technology across Parsons’ global infrastructure and national security portfolios. This forward-thinking approach has helped Parsons secure significant contracts and expand its market presence.
“I have tried to look at our customer’s emerging challenges and define solutions to meet their needs,” says Smith. “Not things that have been done before. We’re about starting with a clean piece of paper.”
Parsons unique position as a global leader in both national security and global infrastructure allows them to offer coordinated services that are in high demand.
“Utilities, water companies, transportation and health care have to be protected against cyber threats. We are a unique company that has the domain understanding for example of how a rail and transit system works coupled with the cyber capabilities to protect the domain,” says Smith.
Parsons has achieved remarkable business growth and financial performance in the past three years. The company’s strategic acquisitions have expanded its capabilities and market reach. This growth strategy has been balanced with organic expansion and internal innovation initiatives. Smith credits the company’s outstanding performance to the hard work and dedication of Parsons’ nearly 20,000 employees in 50 states and 20+ countries around the globe. Her leadership style combines strategic business acumen with a deep understanding of the importance of human capital in driving organizational success.
“I wanted to create a person first culture,” says Smith. “Our leadership supports employees.”
While Parsons is well positioned for the future, Smith is still prioritizing growth, innovation and emerging technologies. She believes her engineering background has been key to her success in navigating change while leading a global corporation. She encourages young engineers and computer scientists who are considering management roles to gain as much experience as they can on a company’s business side.
“You have to have strong technical acumen along with strong business acumen,” says Smith. “That’s the way I operate – with a focus on delivering results.”
While she took all her classes remotely, Smith is still proud of her connection to Syracuse University and the important role it played in her career journey.
“I’m always proud to be a Syracuse alum. It is a wonderful university.”
The Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) Graduate Student Challenge was held from February 7 to 9, 2025. Over 100 graduate students signed up in teams of three or four. Their goal was to build a software to help organize the ECS Research Day poster judging event. The challenge had 3 parts: (a) assigning judges to posters; (b) creating a secure WebApp for judges to enter scores; (c) finding a fair way to normalize the scores and rank the posters.
Fourteen teams submitted entries after working on the challenge for 48 hours. Then, in the next 24 hours they created a video that demonstrated their software product, showed how to run it, and explained the inner-workings of the code. The competition was curated and evaluated by faculty in ECS. After several days of judging running each of the codes, four sets of winners emerged.
Here are the ECS Graduate Student Challenge award winners.
“Best Web App for Research Day Poster Competition” – Pranathi Nallala, Venkata Satya Sri Ram Giduthuri, Sai Vennela Gowreddy and Kamal Preetam Chittuluri
Chilukuri K. Mohan, professor in electrical engineering and computer science, and his Ph.D. student Youchuan Wang G’20 G’24 have received the Best Paper Award at the 17th Annual Conference on Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (BICOB). Established in 2009, BICOB is one of the most recognized conferences in the fields of bioinformatics and computational biology. The conference is committed to creating an engaging environment for scientists to connect, present and publish their research findings, methodologies and studies.
BICOB-2025 took place in San Francisco, California from March 17-18 where Wang presented their paper, “Transitive Reduction and Cluster Normalization for Improved Gene Regulatory Network Inference.” Biological processes require complex sequences of expression of various genes, generating RNA and proteins and regulatory networks are sparse graphs that model which genes influence which other genes. Wang and Mohan’s research applies machine learning and computational methods to learn such models from available data.
Congratulations to all the Engineering and Computer Science students who participated in the 2025 Research Day. There were 97 poster presentations in total along with a keynote lecture by Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Charles Driscoll.
POSTER PRESENTATION AWARDS
First Place (tied): Wanning Ding – Breaking the Mempool Bottleneck: Defending Blockchain Transactions from Asymmetric DoS Attacks. Advisor: Dr. Yuzhe Tang
First Place (tied): Ruosi Qiao – Is Less Really More? Fake News Detection with Limited Information. Advisor: Dr. Yeqing Wang
First Place (tied): Anthony Watt – Prediction of Drug-Induced Cardiotoxicity Using Machine Learning Analysis of hiPSC-CM Functional Dynamics. Advisor: Dr. Zhen Ma
First Place (tied): Frank Chen – Continuous Stress Monitoring with Wearable Devices: A Multimodal Framework for Real-Time Assessment. Advisor: Dr. Vir Phoha
First Place(tied): Ratnakshi Mandal – Unlocking the Secrets of DNA and RNA packing. Advisor: Dr. Shikha Nangia
First Place(tied): Poojan Kaswekar – Enhanced dendrite suppression via hybrid interlayer in all-solid-state lithium-metal batteries. Advisor: Dr. Quinn Qiao
Second Place (tied): Cole Wilhelm – Investigation of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells with Varying Hydrogen/Ammonia Fuel Mixtures. Advisor: Dr. Jeongmin Ahn
Second Place (tied): Jing Cheng – Harnessing Natural Oscillations for High-Speed, Efficient Asymmetrical Locomotion in Quadrupedal Robots. Advisor: Dr. Zhenyu Gan
Second Place (tied): Michael Seitz – Deciphering peri-implantation human development with stem-cell-based embryonic models. Advisor: Dr. Era Jain
Second Place (tied): Mingrui Jiang – The quaternary structure origin of the fibrillation of sickle hemoglobin: a molecular dynamics study. Advisor: Dr. Zhao Qin
Second Place (tied): Sevde Nur Can – A Smart Answer to Wound Healing: Vanillic Acid-Incorporated Polyurethane Shape Memory Polymer Foams for Hemorrhage and Infection Management. Advisor: Dr. Mary Beth Monroe
Second Place (tied): Ashok Thapa – Oscillating Heat Pipe with Highest Thermal Conductivity. Advisor: Dr. Shalabh C. Maroo
Third Place (tied): David Moses – Polymer-Modified Catalysts for Improved Biomass Conversion Processes. Advisor: Dr. Theodore Walker
Third Place (tied): Zixi Wang – Asynchronous Decentralized Federated Learning Deconstructs Excessively Large Batches. Advisor: Dr. M. Cenk Gursoy
Third Place (tied): Chenxu Zhao – Soft Shell Grippers with Highly Tunable Dry Adhesion through Low Negative Pressure for Universal Manipulation. Advisor: Dr. Wanliang Shan
Third Place (tied): Riliang Li – Numerical Study on the Influence of Unbonded Reinforcement on Strengthened Reinforced Concrete Beams. Advisor: Dr. Riyad Aboutaha
Third Place (tied): Zehui Han – Active topography with mucin coating inhibits biofilm formation by interrupting bacterial motility. Advisor: Dr. Dacheng Ren
Third Place (tied): Haodong Yang – Combinatorial Group Testing in Presence of Deletions. Advisor: Dr. Venkata Gandikota
Honorable Mention:Yasser Alqaham – 16 Ways to Gallop: Energetics and Body Dynamics of High-Speed Quadrupedal Gaits. Advisor: Dr. Zhenyu Gan
Honorable Mention:Natalie Petryk – Biodegradable and Bioactive Polyurethane Foams to Improve Traumatic Wound Healing. Advisor: Dr. Mary Beth Monroe
Honorable Mention:Matthew Qualters – SPOD Analysis of Experimental Flow Control within a Supersonic Multi-Stream Rectangular Nozzle. Advisor: Dr. Fernando Zigunov
Honorable Mention:Shao-Peng Yang – COMETS: Cost-effective Multi-node Efficient Training System with Memory Pooling and Sharing. Advisor: Dr. Bryan Kim
Honorable Mention:Paul Sagoe – Tailoring Polymeric Nanoparticles Properties for Enhanced Targeted Delivery to Macrophage Subpopulation. Advisor: Dr. Era Jain
Honorable Mention:Pardha Sourya Nayani – Approaching fundamental limits on bandwidth-to-thickness ratio for electrically thin absorbers through dispersion engineering. Advisor: Dr. Younes Ra’di
Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering Radhakrishna (Suresh) Sureshkumar and his former doctorate student Senyuan Liu G’24, in collaboration with the BioInspired Institute, authored a paper that was featured on the front cover of the leading scientific journal Langmuir. The journal is published by the American Chemical Society (ACS). Their research was supported by the ACS Petroleum Research Fund.
In 2010, Sureshkumar and his colleagues published a paper in Nature Materials where they found that surfactants, or soapy solutions, change into a gel-like material when exposed to a strong flow. This change happens because the flow rearranges the molecular assemblies in the solution into larger structures instead of breaking them apart—a behavior that is rather counter-intuitive.
Liu and Sureshkumar presented the mechanisms underlying the formation of such flow-induced structures in their recent paper. Specifically, they used molecular dynamics simulations to study how the shape and internal makeup of molecular assemblies change when exposed to flow cycles. Flow-induced structures are useful for targeted drug delivery, medical diagnostics and creating functional nanomaterials.
“This is an important milestone in my academic journey,” says Sureshkumar. “It’s indeed gratifying that Senyuan and I are able to provide a deeper understanding of flow-mediated molecular reorganization based on the principles of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics.”
Michael “Mike” Venutolo ’77 and his wife, Kim, vividly remember sharing an eight-hour bus ride through the 110-degree desert in the United Arab Emirates with a half dozen engineering students from Syracuse University. Mike had helped design a novel two-week internship experience to expose the students to issues involved in producing and transporting potable water hundreds of miles across the desert. It was the kind of experiential learning that the Venutolos have supported through their philanthropy. The kind that directly and rapidly transforms the student experience.
“In the many hours we spent together, we learned so much about their lives and hopes and dreams,” says Kim. “These students come from all walks of life and many of them don’t have the funding they need to help them get where they want to go.” The desire to directly help students “get where they want to go” is the motivation behind their recent gifts to the Forever Orange Campaign for Syracuse University and what has become a nearly $2 million legacy in philanthropy that can only be described as “outside the box” thinking by a dedicated alumnus who describes himself as “atypical.”
Venutolo, who was appointed to the University Board of Trustees in 2022, came from modest means—his father was a plumber, and he grew up in a New Jersey town where many teens went to vocational and technical high schools to learn trade skills. “I grew up in a household filled with experiences,” says Venutolo. “There was a lot less learning from textbooks and a lot more learning from doing what my parents and grandparents did.”
His parents insisted that he go to college, but he says he didn’t do very well—until he met a counselor who helped him identify a field where he could excel (civil engineering) and a few professors who spent the time to support his success.
The atypical student became an atypical graduate, taking his engineering degree overseas to work in Saudi Arabia. “I was a junior engineer, working on a multibillion-dollar project building the world’s first major desalination plant,” Venutolo says. “We had no Google. If we had a critical question, we had to drive two hours to the closest telegraph office. It was hands-on problem solving.”
Venutolo would spend more than four decades living overseas, building a successful career and creating a company that became a worldwide leader in engineering and construction services. Living in the Gulf region and England, he was disconnected from the Orange community, but decided to attend his 30th class reunion and forge a new bond to bring his international experience to benefit his alma mater. He helped originate the Middle East Regional Council and engaged his company, Raymond International Pipeline Services Group, in the design and implementation of summer internships for civil and environmental engineering students.
In a 2012 article published in the American Society for Engineering Education, Syracuse University professors credited Venutolo with “helping to create and support another model for successful development of future global engineers.” The article, titled “Stepping Outside the Box: Education of Global Engineers,” detailed the significance of this kind of experiential programming. “These programs have provided an essential service to the engineering profession by providing students with a solid foundation of genuine openness, cultural curiosity and cultural understanding, as well as a greater appreciation for the power of communication, interpersonal relationship skills, organization and team membership,” the professors wrote.
Venutolo also supported the creation of a new construction engineering lab in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) in 2016, providing students on campus with a dedicated space for hands-on educational and research initiatives. His appreciation for international experiences and experiential learning is reflected in Venutolo’s most recent philanthropy, pledging nearly $1 million to create or support:
Kim and Michael Venutolo ’77 Fund for Experiential Learning to support students studying abroad and the London Center program with particular focus on community and cultural engagement through program-sponsored travel,
Kim and Michael Venutolo ’77 Fund for Professional Development to augment the activities of ECS clubs and societies specifically oriented to building professional skills, networking and education through their activities, including student travel to conferences,
Kim and Michael Venutolo ’77 Undergraduate Endowment Scholarship to provide scholarship and financial assistance to deserving ECS undergraduates,
Kim and Michael Venutolo ’77 Fund for Remembrance and Lockerbie Exchange to support trips to Lockerbie, the Lockerbie Academy and other remembrance related activities and
Invention Accelerator Fund, which supports undergraduates as they design, prototype and pitch their inventions.
“We want to make a difference in individual students’ lives, to make it possible to attend a conference or get a passport or get on a plane to the Middle East,” says Venutolo. For his wife, Kim, who never had a chance to get a college degree, helping college students achieve their dreams is particularly satisfying. “I feel like these students try their hardest and we like to help.”
“Mike and Kim have a deep understanding of the importance of experiential learning opportunities to student academic, professional and personal growth, and a passion for supporting these opportunities abroad,” says Erika Wilkens, Ph.D., assistant provost and executive director of Syracuse University Abroad. “Their generous gift will provide students with invaluable immersive learning experiences in London, Lockerbie and beyond, and enable them to develop global skills that will benefit them for years to come.”
Both Venutolos have been judges for Invent@SU, which encourages the kind of innovative and entrepreneurial spirit that guided Michael in his career development. “Michael has told me that he credits Syracuse University with his ability to succeed,” says Kim, who went to work after high school in order to help her family financially. Now married nearly 20 years, Michael credits Kim with being “a champion for the underdog” and identifying opportunities for philanthropy that directly help students. “It doesn’t have to be huge dollars,” says Kim. “It’s just got to be from your heart. I love the University that has adopted me. I’ve become Orange.”
“Through these extraordinary gifts, Mike and Kim have given current and future Orange students the chance to pursue a life-changing education: an education that is distinctive in the way it fosters innovation and professional growth,” says ECS Dean J. Cole Smith. “Thanks to them, ECS will now be able to provide new life-changing scholarships, support experiential learning initiatives through our engineering and computing clubs and organizations, and devise groundbreaking inventions through our invention accelerator program, Invent@SU.”
“When we can talk to the students, see what they are inventing or touch what they are building, that’s what gets us excited,” says Venutolo. Now that he is based in the states (he and Kim live in New Jersey), he has more access to the students and more reasons to visit campus as a University Trustee. “I’m really honored and proud to be part of the group. I’m enjoying bringing an international perspective and more outside the box thinking.”
Jovanni Mosca, Kim and Mike Venutolo and Kwaku Amofah-Boafo
Reza Zafarani, associate professor in electrical engineering and computer science, has received the Test of Time Award from the Web Search and Data Mining (WSDM) Conference organized by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). The award was presented at this year’s conference in Hanover, Germany.
WSDM publishes original, high-quality papers related to search and data mining on the web and the social web. It also hosts a highly selective conference that includes invited talks and peer-reviewed papers. The Test of Time Award recognizes published papers that have had a significant impact on the field of computing over an extended period of time.
Zafarani was awarded for the paper titled “Sarcasm Detection on Twitter: A Behavioral Modeling Approach” which discussed “detecting sarcasm automatically using textual data that users generate.” The key contribution of the paper is in integrating social science theories with machine learning techniques where the machine learning model incorporates social science findings across different disciplines such as linguistics, communication, philosophy and psychology.
The WSDM conference has provided the following statement in recognition of the contributions provided by this paper: “This landmark paper studies a fundamental and difficult problem in understanding web contents, with a general approach grounded in psychology. It is one of the most important works on sarcasm detection, a problem that is of great relevance in coping with today’s polarizing social media. In full generality and with evolving sophistication of user texts, the problem is still unsolved even with large language models. This WSDM 2015 paper will have lasting value, by guiding modern AI in understanding sarcasm.”
Observing his father’s work in physical therapy research and cognition tests, Evan Tulsky’s ’24 interest in robotics and rehabilitation took shape at a young age. He recognized the crucial role that rehabilitation devices play in transforming people’s lives, motivating him to pursue research in this field while attending Syracuse University. This path would lead him to the Bionics, Systems and Controls (BSC) Lab, an interdisciplinary research space centered around robotics and rehabilitation.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of control systems, dynamics and rehabilitative devices,” says the mechanical engineering graduate student. “I was raised around research, and this was the best place for it. This is a really cool lab.”
Led by Victor Duenas, assistant professor in mechanical and aerospace engineering, the BSC Lab focuses on individuals who have had strokes or other neurological conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, or nerves. Tulsky joined the lab as an undergraduate research assistant and is now pursuing his Ph.D., where he’s been building devices that support hip, foot and ankle movements.
Because the muscles and joints in the lower body work together, problems in one area can impact the others during movement. A robotic ankle-foot device and hip exoskeleton could help individuals with hip and knee issues since ankle pain can put stress on the hip and knee.
“If you’re working on an ankle and hip device, you’re working on the entire leg—they’re interconnected,” says Tulsky. “The goal is to develop devices that support all three joints and different movements.”
The lower limb exoskeleton—a wearable device that helps with walking, standing and other lower limb bodily functions—is the latest project in development in the BSC Lab, which Tulsky has been assisting with. This exoskeleton will give individuals with spinal cord injuries or strokes balance and flexibility, allowing them to rotate their legs naturally around their pelvis and hip area.
“Most exoskeletons don’t focus on foot placement and balance,” Tulsky explains. “People with spinal cord injuries can’t land on their foot well. With this device, we’re trying to make motions as natural as possible and help people regain their confidence.”
Tulsky’s graduate studies build upon his research in muscle activity, particularly electromyography (EMG). EMG measures the electrical activity of muscles and nerves and is a great way to assess the health of nerves and muscles that allow movement and other bodily functions. He would present a research paper on EMG and muscle activity in the ankle and foot at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Conference on Controls, Technology and Applications. The conference took place in England in 2024.
The BSC Lab conducts research in collaboration with the Syracuse Veterans Affairs Medical Center since the University has a well-established history with the veteran population. Tulsky has been honored as the Richard A. Bernard Scholar for his efforts in assisting the disabled population and received recognition for the best thesis in engineering.
“My journey is driven by a deep-seated passion to leverage technology for enhancing human health and quality of life. I aspire to continue contributing to innovations that advance the field of rehabilitative robotics and empower individuals facing physical limitations.”
New York State has set ambitious clean energy targets, with a goal of achieving a carbon-neutral economy by 2050. Because residential and commercial buildings are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, there is a need for innovative solutions to heat and cool buildings efficiently.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Next Generation Buildings Innovation Challenges program aims to find those solutions, funding projects related to advanced building technologies for clean heating, air conditioning, ventilation, building envelopes and intelligent building controls. Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Professor and Associate Director of Grid-Interactive Buildings at the Syracuse Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems (SyracuseCoE), Bing Dong recently received more than $1 million in funding through this NYSERDA program to develop intelligent building technologies.
Dong’s project, “Occupant-Centric Data-driven Controls for Multiple Energy Assets in Commercial Buildings,” will utilize physics-informed machine learning to optimize building energy systems. Using 727 E. Washington St. as a testbed, the research team will collect data from a variety of building systems – including HVAC, thermal storage, battery energy storage, and EV charging stations. They will use this information to model potential energy savings and peak load reduction. Ultimately, the team seeks to develop a plug-and-play platform structure that can be replicated in other buildings.
“With emerging energy storage technologies, future smart buildings need to know how to best optimize those technologies together with existing building systems,” says Professor Dong. “We will develop an AI-based control agent for those multi-energy assets to achieve their best performance.”
Building on SyracuseCoE’s strong industry connections, Professor Dong will partner with Taitem Engineering, Leaptran, and TRC Companies. Carrier will serve as a technical advisor. MAE faculty Jianshun “Jensen” Zhang and Ian Shapiro will serve as co-principal investigators on the project. Professor Zhang is the Executive Director of the SyracuseCoE , and Professor Shapiro is SyracuseCoE’s Associate Director of Building Science and Community Programs.
Next Generation Buildings Innovation Challenges was created to support the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85% over the next 15 years. The program is supported by NY’s Clean Energy Fund.
In his home office, John Chawner ’84 proudly displays a disk of aluminum dated “4-8-84.” It is a treasured memento from his days at Syracuse University and, in many ways, it is symbolic of his approach to service and philanthropy to his alma mater, which includes a recent gift establishing a new endowed professorship. Chawner vividly recalls assembling a 100-foot-long shock tube, a testing device for supersonic airflow, in the basement of Link Hall, assembling it from parts, bolts and instrumentation that was scattered in offices throughout the engineering building. It was part of an independent study project under John LaGraff, then professor of mechanical, aerospace and manufacturing engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science.
“Creating such a device required open-ended thinking that is critical to learning,” says Chawner, who credits Syracuse University for laying the foundation for a highly successful career that made possible the generous gift for the professorship. “I feel that I was transformed by my time at the University, from a raw 18-year-old to someone ready to enter the professional world. I want to ensure that today’s students and professors are able to maximize their time at Syracuse and enjoy the benefits of higher education.”
Chawner has supported scholarships for deserving students for years, but his latest gift funds an endowed professorship within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Through the Forever Orange Faculty Excellence Program, the University will match one-third of the gift to ensure that the John R. Chawner Endowed Professorship has the resources to support world-class scholars and the research needed to propel their work forward.
Chawner earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering in 1984 and, later, a master’s degree from The University of Texas at Arlington. Immediately after graduation from Syracuse, he got a job with General Dynamics in Texas. “I came out of Syracuse University with a great body of knowledge and raw skills that allowed me to get into the aerospace and defense field at a great time,” says Chawner. “I’m an engineer by degree but I’m a programmer by practice because I got involved in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), which was a brand new software technology back then. A bunch of us 22- to 25-year-olds were given the opportunity to develop this capability from scratch and that launched the rest of my career.”
Cultivating Talent
Chawner would go on to launch Pointwise Inc., which became internationally renowned for developing mesh generation software for CFD in aerospace applications. The technology has been applied to virtually every major military aircraft and spacecraft, including the F-16, F-22, F-35, B-2, and Space Shuttle. After more than 26 years at the helm, Chawner sold Pointwise to Cadence Design Systems where he continued to work until retiring in 2023 and forming his own consulting firm.
“Owning a small business is like agreeing to be punched in the face for a living,” Chawner told an interviewer in a blog on how to become a CFD engineer. In all seriousness, he loved the process of cultivating talent, inspiring creativity in teams, and the continuous learning required to develop and successfully market new technologies. “Everyone wants to pigeonhole engineers,” he says, but he personally defied being defined and found great value in following more than 300 blogs in engineering, business and marketing. He calls himself “an early adopter” of social media and eventually created a very popular blog called Another Fine Mesh to educate and share information.
Chawner is still educating, sharing and inspiring through a company called Gibberish Consulting (he’s the chief gibberish officer), where he attempts to redefine the stereotype of consultants. “What you need is someone with direct experience to guide you through the gibberish with simple, direct and actionable advice. That’s my role,” he says, adding the consulting work allows him to remain relevant, to pass along earned wisdom.
Building Future Engineers
Chawner brings that same wisdom and experience to his role as a member of the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Advisory Board at the College of Engineering and Computer Science and as a member of the Dean’s Leadership Council. “John’s service to the college is invaluable,” says Dean J. Cole Smith. “He has acquired wisdom over the years that has impacted our approach to educating and preparing engineering students for successful careers. His generosity has opened doors, helped build futures and, with this new gift, creates a legacy that will continue to support innovation and creativity for generations to come.”
“I’m a big believer that an engineering education should not be like going to a trade school. It’s about developing the aptitude and ability to learn,” says Chawner, who describes himself as a continuous learner. “An engineering education allows one to be very impactful and I want to enable students and professors to enjoy that. The investment Micron has made in the Syracuse region amplifies that impact and essentially multiplies the effect of the gift.”
Chawner says he views philanthropy as a way to give back “to a place that gave me so much in terms of education and other life experiences.” Those “experiences” include his wife, Cathy, of nearly 40 years, whom he met “at a mixer” during freshman year. They lived in the same dorm and share many memories, including the first football games in the then-Carrier Dome.
Those were the years in the first phase of life, says Chawner—the learning phase, which is followed by the earning phase, and finally, the returning phase. Learn, earn, return. “I’m in the return phase where I give back what I’ve learned and earned,” he says.
While tourniquets and gauze have long been the standard for treating traumatic wounds, they have major limitations. Tourniquets restrict blood flow, damage skin tissue, and aren’t suitable for use on injuries to the neck or torso. When removed from wounds, gauze may also cause more bleeding. These challenges have driven the research conducted in the Monroe Biomaterials Lab, where biomedical engineering graduate student Natalie Petryk ’21, G’22, G’25 has been involved in pivotal research on degradable foams for treating traumatic wounds.
“There’s a huge need for it,” says Petryk. “The big picture goal is to create effective, affordable hemostatic foams that can be used in every first aid kit and replace current options.”
The foams Petryk has been researching are made from a polymer material called polyurethane, which is commonly used in insulations, bedding, and furniture. Polyurethane foams are porous and absorbent, like a sponge, and compatible with cells and blood, making them effective at controlling bleeding in a wound.
Petryk’s main goal has been to make degradable foam that can break down in the presence of water and oxygen found in blood and skin tissue. This would eliminate the need for foam removal and reduce the risk of wound re-bleeding typically associated with tourniquets and gauze.
“What I enjoy most about the lab space is the ability to do everything from synthesizing the foams to characterizing their material properties, like mechanical and thermal behavior, and exploring biological responses, like how cells and blood interact with the material,” says Petryk. “You acquire a wide breadth of knowledge working in the lab.”
Throughout Petryk’s undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. studies, she has explored different aspects of these foams to improve their healing capability. Her recent work focused on altering the foam’s chemistry to improve how quickly it degrades and studying how this change in molecular structure impacts the foam’s properties and bleeding control. She has also explored ways these polymer foams could help the healing process with collagen and gelatin, the main building blocks of the body’s skin, muscles, and connective tissues.
“We’ve been thinking about ways to incorporate bioactive components into the foams, something our native tissue is familiar with to promote and encourage cell growth and healing,” Petryk says. “Polyurethane foams are ideal for blood clotting, and we can control their degradation rates, but they are a synthetic material, so cells can’t directly attach. Proteins like gelatin and collagen can drive cell attachment on the foams to facilitate tissue regeneration.”
Working in the Monroe Biomaterials Lab, led by Biomedical and Chemical Engineering Professor Mary Beth Monroe, Petryk is continually inspired by her research and work ethic. “Dr. Monroe has been the best mentor,” Petryk says. “Having a female role model to look up to in the STEM field is truly empowering. Dr. Monroe is extremely supportive and allows us to explore research interests that align with our future goals.”
Petryk presented her research on degradable foams at the American Chemical Society, where she connected with other chemists and gained valuable insights. She also presented her research at the College of Engineering and Computer Science’s annual Research Day, where she won second place for her oral presentation. Additionally, Petryk shared her work at the Society for Biomaterials Northeast Regional Symposia. “Communicating research with a broader audience is really important,” says Petryk. “It makes people care about your work, which can help its societal and clinical impact.”
With a heavy heart, the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) announces the passing of chemical engineering alum, Andreas Acrivos ’50, on February 17, 2025. Acrivos was recognized by the American Institute of Physics as one of the greatest fluid dynamicists of the 20th century and was a leading figure in the chemical engineering field.
Born in Greece, he came to the U.S. to study at Syracuse University on a fellowship and received a bachelor’s in chemical engineering in 1950. He earned a Ph.D. degree from the University of Minnesota in 1954 and began his academic career as a faculty member in chemical engineering at the University of California, Berkeley shortly after.
In 1962, he moved to the newly formed chemical engineering department at Stanford University and played a major role in bringing the chemical engineering program to national prominence. In 1986, Acrivos became the Albert Einstein Professor of Science and Engineering and the Director of the Benjamin Levich Institute for Physico-Chemical Hydrodynamics at the City College of New York, where he worked until his retirement in 2001.
Acrivos won numerous awards and recognitions for his research. He was a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Sciences, and the Academy of Arts and Sciences. He served as editor-in-chief of the scientific journal Physics of Fluids from 1982 to 1997. He received the National Medal of Science from President George Bush in 2002 and was awarded Honorary Doctor of Science degrees from several universities. During his long academic career, he also mentored numerous students, many of whom distinguished themselves in academia and the industry.
“The two-quarter course that Professor Acrivos taught at Stanford was the most memorable course I ever took in my entire education,” says biomedical and chemical engineering professor Ashok Sangani, who was one of Acrivos’ graduate advisees. “The course was so good that I have been teaching the same material at Syracuse University over the past 40 years even though there is a lot of temptation to add more. It was simply a classic!”
As a fitting tribute to his monumental mentorship, the American Physical Society named its annual award for the outstanding doctoral dissertation in fluid dynamics after Acrivos. Since 2014, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers has also given the Andreas Acrivos Award for Professional Progress in Chemical Engineering to individuals who have made significant contributions to chemical engineering.
Acrivos’s enduring legacy is reflected in his stellar academic family, which spans approximately four generations of scholars teaching at various universities across the United States and the world. Additionally, he was a great support of ECS and its commitment to providing its students with transformative learning experiences. His impact will be felt for generations to come.
In celebration of National Engineers Week, Advancing Women Engineers (AWE) held a professional networking event where students could connect with alumnae from the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS). Students engaged in meaningful conversations with former ECS graduates on topics ranging from soft skills and imposter syndrome to work-life balance and career growth.
“This event is more than just career prep—it’s about building a strong community where students in engineering can support, inspire and empower one another,” says Heather Carroll, assistant director of alumni and donor engagement.
Alumnae who attended the networking event included Gay Kasegrande ’93, senior group leader at Mondelēz International, Inc., who earned a bachelor’s in chemical engineering in 1993 and Dawn Penniman ’90, G’97, certified senior project engineer II at ARCADIS, who earned a bachelor’s in civil engineering in 1990 and master’s in environmental engineering in 1997.
“It was a great experience! I loved talking to alumni and gaining insights about networking and career pathways, ” says computer science student Adya Parida ’25.
“It was great speaking with alumnae,” says Liv Ochtabec ’28. “They provided us with support and advice that will benefit me in my career growth.
“The alumnae provided students with useful advice for networking and career development. For me, it emphasized the breadth and diversity of the SU alumni community and how we can use it to our benefit” says aerospace engineering student Aliza Willsey.
AWE plans to continue hosting events to engage both alumnae and students through networking opportunities, immersive programming and virtual conferences to empower the next generations of students for success.
Aerospace engineering student Tatiyyanah Nelums ’25 was selected by the national nonprofit Patti Grace Smith Fellowship as a member of its latest cohort. The program is designed to support the careers of Black aerospace leaders. As part of the fellowship, Nelums will participate in a challenging summer aerospace internship at one of America’s leading aerospace companies. They will also receive a scholarship, personalized mentorship and access to a community of young Black professionals pursuing careers in aerospace.
Nelums conducts research in computational fluid dynamics and aims to work in the commercial space sector. They are the co-president of the Syracuse University branch of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and serve as the aerodynamics and propulsion lead for Syracuse’s AIAA Design/Build/Fly team. As part of the fellowship, Nelums will be working at the research and development company Draper during the summer.
“Tatiyyanah’s fellowship is a recognition of their academic achievement and leadership skills as demonstrated during their studies in Syracuse. As their instructor in airbreathing and rocket propulsion, I can attest that they are well-equipped to succeed in the aerospace field. This award further sets them on that path to success,” says Ben Akih Kumgeh, associate professor and aerospace engineering undergraduate program director.
“Being a part of this fellowship is an amazing opportunity, and I am proud to be included in such an amazing program,” says Nelums. “It is not often that I get to interact with people in my field who look like me, so this representation matters a lot to me.”
Aicha Gory’s ’26 fascination with problem-solving made a career in computer science an ideal choice for her. With a strong background in STEM, she remained committed to her goals, even when faced with challenges as she navigated a new country during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, her dedication to pursuing education fueled her resilience.
“Coming from Senegal, adapting to a new environment and navigating remote learning while improving my English ability was intimidating, but it also taught me resilience and adaptability,” says Gory.
After completing an online course at Syracuse University in the summer of 2021, Gory had an opportunity to visit the University’s campus, an experience that was crucial to her decision to attend the college.
“I enjoyed the powerful sense of community and the faculty’s help during the online session, which gave me confidence that Syracuse is a place where I might succeed,” she says. “I wanted to attend a school with a strong engineering department, and Syracuse’s combination of academic brilliance and a welcoming environment made it the perfect choice for me.”
Throughout her academic journey at the College of Engineering and Computer Science, Gory has had the opportunity to explore her passions through internships. As an operations analyst intern at a financial institution, she improved financial accuracy by managing and verifying over 100 daily deposit transactions, ensured regulatory compliance and reduced errors.
She’s also been involved with the Research Exposure in Socially Relevant Computing (RESORC) program, where she attends research meetings, participates in technical research, soft skills-building sessions and collaborates with peers to brainstorm research topics.
“I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned and contribute to impactful research. Also, I am in the steps of working on a project related to virtual reality with my professor from my VR class, which I am excited about. This opportunity will allow me to practice what I’ve learned in class and gain more experience.”
In addition to her academics, Gory holds positions in many clubs including the Secretary for the Society of Women Engineers, the Conference Planning Chair for the National Society of Black Engineers and an Academic Excellence Workshop Facilitator. Gory is also a mentor in the Catalyst Scholars program, which supports first-generation college students.
This role is perfect for her since she understands the struggles these students face and helps them adjust to college life as they navigate their academic journey. She also assists the admissions office with student panels, which allows her to “give back and help others who are in a similar position as a first-generation student.”
When she’s not juggling various responsibilities, Gory enjoys cooking, spending time with loved ones, watching sunsets and playing Badminton. She seeks to become a data scientist in healthcare, finance, business, or technology.
“Take time to care for yourself and enjoy the process of learning and growth. Remember, never compare yourself to others. We all have different paths, and the end goal is to simply keep moving forward and make it.”
As quantum science advances, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can apply quantum technology and develop commercial products. To address this need, Moamer Hasanovic, assistant teaching professor in electrical engineering and computer science, has received a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to provide training, education, and career development for quantum technicians. This initiative supports Syracuse University’s mission to remain a leading research institution while expanding its quantum educational programs.
Hasanovic previously developed a quantum curriculum, known as the EdQuantum Project, which provides quantum technicians—specialists who assist researchers in the lab—with the necessary skills required for the workforce. The curriculum consists of three courses in quantum technologies that combine theory and hands-on activities to raise awareness and build essential knowledge in quantum information science at a technician level.
As part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness of quantum programs, Hasanovic has visited numerous community colleges to lead workshops and strengthen relationships with academic institutions such as Onondaga Community College, State University of New York Broome Community College, and Jefferson Community College, among other colleges regionally and nationally.
While attending quantum conferences across the country, Hasanovic has gathered information from the industry to enhance his curriculum and has been working on establishing a laboratory at Syracuse University that will support local community colleges as well as the University’s undergraduate program. The NSF grant award will play a crucial role in advancing these initiatives.
“We are very much ahead of the curve. There’s no one in the nation doing quantum at the community college level and we can lead these efforts. We’re expanding the program’s outreach, establishing collaborations to bring funding to the University and creating a quantum center,” says Hasanovic.
Some partners that Professor Hasanovic is collaborating with include the Quantum Economic Development Consortium, Chicago Quantum Exchange, Duke Quantum Center, University of Chicago, Georgetown University, Colgate University, and the University of Queensland in Australia. He will also introduce quantum science into K-12 and undergraduate programs to provide a firm foundation for the emerging workforce.
“We have to collaborate more. We don’t have to build labs across the nation that are costly. Nothing is impossible if we share the resources we have,” says Hasanovic. “I’m grateful for the NSF award and how it will impact the future of the quantum workforce.”
The College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) is excited to announce the opening of the Campos Student Center, a new community space designed for ECS students. The center celebrated its opening last week with a waffle bar, games and giveaways for attendees. Located on the second floor of the Center of Science and Technology, the Campos Student Center is a welcoming home-away-from-home where students can receive academic support, connect to campus resources and find a sense of community and belonging.
“Our overarching mission is to promote a sense of belonging for the breadth of undergraduates who comprise our college,” says Abby Fite G’18, director of inclusive excellence.
“There isn’t a space like this in the Life Sciences Building so it gives students an opportunity and place where they can come and study,” says computer science student Brianna Anthony ’26.
Established by Marco Campos and his sister Deanna Campos Miller to make STEM accessible to all students, the student center offers a variety of weekly programs that foster community-building and collaboration. These weekly programs include study sessions for programming on Mondays, open study tables on Tuesdays, math study tables on Wednesdays, Thriving Thursdays, and a weekly wind down on Fridays.
“I’m really excited for this space,” says computer science student Jenna Ballback ’26. “On Mondays, I’m running the computer programming study table. There’s a different thing going on every day.”
In celebration of National Engineers Week, the Campos Student Center will offer free headshots taken by a professional photographer on February 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. All students have the option to participate in the #ILookLikeAnEngineer campaign, which highlights the breadth of people in engineering.
“It feels very homely, I like the couches,” says civil engineering student Kevin Guerrero ’28. “I also really like the campaign slogan, #ILookLikeAnEngineer. A lot of people think of a specific picture when thinking about an engineer so it’s nice having a campaign that celebrates all of us.”
“I think the center meets the needs of what Abby was going for, which is comfortability,” says civil engineering Candance Tabb ’26. “It’s very cozy and close-knit and it’s a space for students to be themselves.”
“Belonging is a reliable predictor of retention and graduation, so we see this as integral to our academic mission,” Fite says. “It’s also a predictor for a range of wellness outcomes, so we also see this as integral to our ethical mission to care for our students.”
Bamboo is a fast-growing and renewable plant that has important environmental benefits. It grows in many different climates, captures carbon and its root system improves soil health while preventing soil erosion. Bamboo’s natural strength and flexibility have also made it a great alternative to timber and metals for buildings, scaffolding, and many other manufacturing uses.
Studies have shown that bamboo’s outer layer is actually stronger than its inner layers. Known as the epidermis, bamboo’s outer layer is smooth and dense, containing cellulose fiber and silica particles, which contribute to the plant’s functionality and durability. Silica particles in particular may strengthen and help plants like bamboo withstand environmental stresses.
For decades, researchers have been attempting to understand how the low amount of silica particles helps strengthen the outer layer of bamboo and prevent the inner fibers from splitting. To explore this concept, Zhao Qin, assistant professor in civil and environmental engineering, combined theoretical analysis, experimental imaging, generative artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D printing to study how the arrangement of silica particles affects bamboo.
“There are individual particles embedded in the matrix material of bamboo skin,” says Qin. “We realized in the microscopic images of bamboo skin, we see when there are cracks. These cracks will be captured by the silica particles because they are harder and stiffer than the matrix. So, the crack will not propagate straight through the bamboo, but instead, it gives you the zig-zag pathway to dissipate more energy.”
When studying the structure of bamboo skin, Qin found that it’s a composite material, meaning bamboo skin is made from two or more materials with different properties. This material includes soft cellulose fibers and rigid silica particles that are arranged differently in various directions. This arrangement makes the bamboo skin tougher and more durable.
“The silica particles are very ordered in the direction that is perpendicular to the bamboo fiber bundles, with dense areas located where the bundles meet,” says Qin. “Since fiber splitting is the main way bamboo fails under different stresses, such as buckling, bending, and twisting, the silica particles at the fiber junctions help increase the material’s toughness and prevent cracks from spreading. However, their distribution along the fiber is highly disordered.”
To understand how this arrangement affects the toughness of bamboo skin, Qin input his findings into generative AI and created a model based on the structure of bamboo skin. The AI model not only looks similar to actual bamboo skin but also breaks and withstands force in the same way. This research helps us understand the mechanics of bamboo skin better, discover ways to create materials similar to bamboo, or improve the strength of bamboo materials for sustainable development.
“Understanding how the bamboo epidermis works at the microscopic level can help us connect the beginning of mechanical cracks in bamboo with larger issues like buckling and splitting when under extreme pressure,” says Qin. “This understanding is essential for making bamboo products more durable. Additionally, insights gained from the bamboo epidermis can guide the design of composites by defining particle distribution in fiber-reinforced composites, which is important for sustainable construction and manufacturing techniques.”
Get to know the advancement and external affairs staff at the College of Engineering and Computer Science!
Name: Amy Gullotta
Title: Senior Director of Development
Tell us about your role at Engineering and Computer Science (ECS):
I’ve had the pleasure of working for the ECS Advancement & External Affairs team for the past 10 years helping to secure important resources of time, talent, and treasure from alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends to support the mission of the College. I travel often and wear many hats including fundraising, recruiting board members, guest speakers and student mentors, running alumni events, coordinating meetings for senior leadership, and working with colleagues across campus to promote ECS initiatives.
What is your favorite part of working here at ECS?
I love meeting with alumni, hearing their inspiring stories of success, and ultimately matching their philanthropic goals with the needs of our College and our students. When the magic happens it’s a win-win for everyone!
Name: Kelly Venturini
Title: Director of Development
Tell us about your role at ECS:
My role in advancement is to meet with alumni from our college and facilitate their engagement and their philanthropy to support ECS students, faculty, and key funding priorities. My primary travel areas include Northern California/Silicon Valley, Seattle, and the DMV area (DC/Virginia/Maryland).
What is your favorite part of working here at ECS?
Hearing firsthand from alumni about the transformational role the College of ECS played in their lives and how it inspires them to give back. Alumni share the names of faculty and staff and recall specific moments when someone went above and beyond on their behalf. This feedback spans all generations and is a testament to the great work the college has done and continues to do for its students. It’s both motivating and inspiring and, most often, the primary reason alumni choose to invest in our college through philanthropy.
Name: Heather Carroll
Title: Assistant Director, Donor and Alumni Engagement
Tell us about your role at ECS:
I plan, manage, and facilitate strategic regional and special events sponsored by the ECS Advancement team, both on and off campus, to identify, cultivate and steward current and prospective donors. Events include ECS DLC meetings, Invent@SU final judging, SU reunions and alumni awards, Orange Central events, Coming Back Together weekend, and other all-campus alumni programs. I am the coordinator for the AWE Networking Group (Advancing Women Engineers), the administrator for the Firsthand mentor platform, the liaison for scholarship assignments and stewardship, and I am responsible for the procurement of ECS giveaway merchandise, and donor brochures and acknowledgements.
What is your favorite part of working here at ECS?
I love my team! We have a great rapport and really enjoy working together. I enjoy everyone I work with on the ECS staff and, not trying to suck up, but we are really fortunate for Dean Smith’s positive and inspiring leadership. And I am grateful for Jenn Fazio and the Staff Council for the positive work culture and community they help promote.
Name: Gabby Spencer
Title: Advancement and External Affairs (AEA) Operations Coordinator
Tell us about your role at ECS:
I am the AEA Operations Coordinator here at ECS! I help with a lot of the administrative work in both the Dean’s Suite as well as for advancement from our department. I also assist with the Invent@SU program in the summer
What is your favorite part of working here at ECS?
My favorite part is the people I get to work with! Everyone has been so kind and helpful and I am fortunate to get to work with such a great team and with other great people from various departments.
Mussadiq “Muss” Akram ’10 will be the featured speaker for the Engineering Meets Business event at 6:00pm on February 18th, 2025. Akram is Vice President of Utility Strategy at CenterPoint Energy, a gas and electric utility that serves over six million customers in six states. In his role, Akram is responsible for setting the company’s direction for the future for its regulated businesses in collaboration with its stakeholders and in the context of the broader energy transition. Prior to joining CenterPoint Energy, Akram served as a management consultant to energy companies and stakeholders around the world, with a particular focus on North American utilities.
Akram holds a BS in chemical engineering and a BA in international relations from Syracuse University and an MEng in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University. A dedicated Syracuse volunteer, he founded the Engineering Meets Business program just two years after graduating from Syracuse University and serves on the Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) Dean’s Leadership Council. He has previously been involved with the ECS Emerging Leaders Board, Alumni Association Board, and National Campaign Council. He is also a Generation Orange Award recipient. He resides in Houston, TX with his family.
Engineering Meets Business will be a virtual event and you can register here.
Engineering Meets Business with guest speaker Mussadiq Akram ‘10
Mechanical and aerospace engineering alumnus Christopher John Ruscher ’09, G’11, G’14, has been named by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) as the AIAA Engineer of the Year. Ruscher is the vice president and a senior research engineer for Spectral Energies, LLC.
The AIAA will present the award during the AIAA Awards Gala on Wednesday April 30th at the Grand Hyatt Washington in Washington, DC. The institute also will recognize its Class of 2025 Honorary Fellows and Fellows at the AIAA Awards Gala.
The AIAA Engineer of the Year Award is presented to a member of the Institute who has made a recent individual technical contribution in the application of scientific and mathematical principles leading to a significant technical accomplishment.
Rusher was recognized “for the design, development, integration, and demonstration of a robust pressure sensor on a hypersonic sounding rocket and F404 engine test.”
The AIAA is the world’s largest aerospace technical society with nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries.
Ruscher earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree from Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science in the department of mechanical and aerospace engineering.
In recognition of superior scholarship, the following students have been entered on the Engineering & Computer Science Dean’s List for Fall 2024.
To be eligible for Dean’s List recognition, the minimum semester grade point average must be 3.40 or higher, must have earned a minimum of 12 graded credits and must have no missing or incomplete grades.
Syracuse University, in collaboration with ANDRO Computational Solutions, LLC, Marconi-Rosenblatt AI Innovation Lab of Rome, has been awarded a Phase II Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) research contract by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) valued at approximately $2 million. This project focuses on pioneering research to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) deep learning technologies to enhance radio spectrum utilization in challenging conditions.
The project is led by Anu Jagannath, ANDRO Chief Scientist and Chief Research Officer, and Jithin Jagannath, ANDRO Chief Scientist and Chief Technology Officer (CTO). The lead project team at ANDRO also includes Senior Scientist Sabarish Krishna Moorthy, with support from Syracuse University professors Biao Chen and Pramod Varshney from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Their expertise contributes valuable insights into advanced signal processing and distributed systems modeling for the project.
The collaboration between ANDRO and Syracuse University showcases the power of academic-industry partnerships in tackling complex challenges. This collaboration has persisted for over 30 years and has benefited over the years from support from the Center for Advanced Systems and Engineering (CASE) which is a NYSTAR-designated Center for Advanced Technology (CAT). Under the STTR contract, the team is well-prepared to provide innovative solutions for both military and commercial applications. This venture aims to transform the landscape of intelligent spectrum technologies for various spectrum intelligence use cases.
Liesel Odden ’24 G ’25 knows all too well the challenges of being a student-athlete. One minute she’s in the research labs of Link Hall, the next minute, she’s boarding a bus for an away game in a different state. As the co-captain of Syracuse University’s women’s soccer team and a student in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS), Odden juggles these responsibilities much like she juggles soccer balls on the field.
“One of the hardest parts about being a student-athlete is traveling. In the fall semester, over the course of 9 days, I was in Texas, Virginia and Florida,” says Odden. “But I’ve learned a lot more about time management since being in college.”
Playing soccer for as long as she can remember, Odden was thrilled to learn that Syracuse University’s team was in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), widely recognized as the top conference for women’s soccer. And the chance to play her favorite sport while pursuing her research interests was appealing.
“My coaches made this place feel like home, and treated me like family,” she says. “I also saw Syracuse had environmental engineering and that, along with research opportunities, was exciting.”
Odden is enrolled in the 4+1 accelerated program for environmental engineering, a combined degree where students complete both their bachelor’s and master’s at the same time in five years, though she will complete both degrees early. She credits Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Cliff Davidson with helping her discover this accelerated program and though the courseload is rigorous, it’s also been helpful. Online lectures make catching up on work much easier, especially when she’s on the road.
As a research assistant, Odden collaborates with Professor Davidson to analyze survey data on how different organizations respond to extreme weather events caused by climate change. Using information gathered from survey data, they’re attempting to find patterns between locations, organizations and strategies to respond to extreme weather events.
“With climate change, we’re going to be seeing a lot more flooding, droughts, heat waves and other extreme weather events so we need to have better ability to respond. I think that we can be prepared and respond better if we know how different people and organizations strategize.”
Displaying leadership qualities both on and off the field, Odden has traveled to Mixco, Guatemala for several summers, leading volunteer teams for Hogars Helping Hands, a non-profit organization founded by her parents. The non-profit focuses on supporting orphaned children and the local community, with volunteer groups building stoves, installing concrete floors, and painting village homes among other tasks.
With the help of professors Elizabeth Carter and John Trimmer, Odden also aims to establish a student chapter of Engineers Without Borders at Syracuse University. The organization develops sustainable engineering solutions for underprivileged communities.
“One of the biggest things I’ve learned from Dr. Carter and Dr. Trimmer is engineering in low-resource settings. We spent time looking into socioeconomic inequities in Dr. Carter’s class which I’ve really enjoyed and got even more passionate about.”
As Odden continues balancing her life as a student-athlete, she relies on her strong support system to achieve her goals and stay ahead of the game.
“I’ve always felt very encouraged by Dr. Davidson. He’s been an incredible mentor to me and I feel like I’ve learned a lot from him. Dr Trimmer and Dr. Carter have also both been super supportive of me as a student-athlete,” says Odden. “In ECS, I have felt very supported and love how much I’ve grown as a student and my passions have been fueled and cared for. After I’m done playing soccer, I’ll have a great environmental engineering background that I can have a career in.”
Absorbing layers have been fundamental to advancements in technologies like energy harvesting, stealth systems, and communication networks. These absorbers efficiently capture electromagnetic waves across broad frequency ranges, enabling the development of sustainable, self-powered devices such as remote sensors and internet of things (IoT) systems. In addition to energy applications, these layers are pivotal in stealth technology, where they minimize radar visibility and enhance the performance of aircraft and naval systems. They also play a crucial role in improving communication networks by reducing stray signals and mitigating electromagnetic interference, making them essential in our increasingly interconnected world.
Advancements in these technologies requires modules with greater functionality and broader bandwidths, all within smaller footprints, driving the demand for ultra-thin absorbing layers with significantly higher absorption bandwidths. However, a theoretical upper bound exists on the bandwidth-to-thickness ratio of metal-backed, passive, linear, and time-invariant absorbing layers. Absorbers developed to date, irrespective of their operational frequency range or material thickness, significantly underperform when compared to this upper bound, failing to exploit the full potential that passive, linear, and time-invariant systems can provide.
In a new research paper published in Nature Communications, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Professor Younes Ra’di and his research team introduced a new concept for designing ultra-thin absorbers that enables absorbing layers with a record-high bandwidth-to-thickness ratio, potentially several times greater than that of absorbers designed using conventional approaches. Absorbers designed based on this concept can achieve a bandwidth-to-thickness ratio arbitrarily close to the ultimate bound. Utilizing this concept, they designed and experimentally verified an absorber yielding a very high bandwidth-to-thickness ratio.
“Our findings have the potential to make significant contributions to various industries, including defense, energy harvesting, and advanced communication systems, by addressing critical challenges in electromagnetic absorption technology,” says Ra’di.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see our work attracting international recognition, not only from the scientific community but also from key players across various industries. I am immensely proud of my team for their dedication and hard work, which have led to these groundbreaking results. Publishing in a prestigious journal like Nature Communications is a testament to their exceptional efforts and the importance of our research.”
As computer engineering student Alexander Segarra’25 looked at how he wanted to build his career, he decided it would be a good idea to consider a co-op position. While internships allow a student to have a part-time or summer experience at a company in their field, the College of Engineering and Computer Science’s signature co-op program gives a student an extended, full-time opportunity to experience working with a company on more advanced projects.
“Work experience is pretty important when you go out into the workforce,” says Segarra. “It is very valuable learning the work environment, especially if you want to go down a certain route.”
Working with the career services team in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, Segarra was accepted for a co-op position with Novelis, a global leader in aluminum products, at their Oswego location about 45 minutes north of Syracuse.
“The career services team was very helpful,” says Segarra. “They helped set everything up and had the right contacts. If you aren’t sure how to start, they are a great resource.”
Novelis is a premier partner with the College of Engineering and Computer Science’s Employer Partnership Program and the company’s engineers appreciate the chance to bring Syracuse University students in to work on meaningful projects.
“You actually give them a real project, something they can take to completion,” says Rick Fiumara, a principal engineer at Novelis. “The best way to find out if you like your field is to do a co-op.”
For Segarra, his co-op opportunity showed him how he can apply the skills he was learning in classes to real world situations.
“Some of the people don’t even know I’m a co-op, they see me as a real employee,” said Segarra.
“With co-ops, they have more time to grow. It gives us more time to develop an individual,” says Stephen Dahar, engineering manager for Novelis. “It gives us a good look at who you are and can in some situations lead to full time employment.”
Novelis liked what they saw of Segarra and Segarra liked what he saw in the company’s culture and flexibility. He was offered a full-time position and will go back to Novelis right after graduation.
“Once I start my full time job it will be like picking up where I left off,” says Segarra.
Ian Storrs ’24 joined ‘Cuse Baja as a wide-eyed freshman eager to build off-road vehicles for rough terrains. But to his surprise, the club once known for participating in rugged vehicle competitions had seemingly lost its drive. The impact of the pandemic, coupled with former members graduating, left the student organization without guidance. The club’s off-road vehicle was also just a frame, and the remaining members didn’t know how to complete it. As the club’s numbers began to dwindle, Storrs knew he had to do something.
Assuming the position as the club’s leader, Storrs worked hard to rebuild ‘Cuse Baja from the ground up, focusing on recruiting and training the next generation of engineers to take the wheel. Today, ‘Cuse Baja is a thriving student organization that actively competes across the country and the off-road vehicle that was nothing more than a simple frame is now breaking records.
“The development of our current car has been a long road. With a large amount of reverse-engineering and scrappiness, we managed to cobble together a functional car,” says Storrs.
Despite challenges in their early competitions, ‘Cuse Baja didn’t let any roadblocks slow them down. And in September 2024, the club would set new records at the Baja Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) competition held in Michigan. After undergoing rigorous inspections, the team competed at different events that tested their vehicle’s acceleration, maneuverability, suspension and traction as well as rock-crawling ability.
The final event on the last day of the competition was the endurance race, where each team that passed inspections strives to complete as many laps as possible in 4 hours. ‘Cuse Baja was able to complete 15 laps, which was more than double the six laps they completed in a previous competition, making history as the best a Baja team had done at the University in over 20 years.
“We had gone from having never been to a competition to being legitimately competitive in only one year,” says Storrs. “Prior to us, a Baja team from SU had not raced at a competition in 20 years, so we are enormously proud of our accomplishments.”
“This year was filled with many great successes allowing our team to meet multiple goals,” says aerospace engineering student Laney Price ’27. “However, when I look back at Michigan, I will not remember our scoring. I’ll remember the excitement our team felt and expressed during that week when we worked through many obstacles to reach that success.”
Through Cuse Baja, Storrs has connected with other students who share his passion for designing and building off-road vehicles and gained hands-on experience in engineering through machining and welding. As president and chief engineer, he has also developed valuable leadership skills that have strengthened his team-building and project management abilities.
“Throughout my leadership, I have made it my number one priority to recruit and train the next generation of ‘Cuse Baja members who will be able to grow the team after I have graduated,” says Storrs. “Our current success is due to the large influx of passionate and interested members over the past year, who have shown great initiative in learning and leading the team.”
“I became a member at the beginning of the 2023 school season and have witnessed ‘Cuse Baja grow so much since I’ve been on the team,” says mechanical engineering student Riehen Walsh ’27. “With a new generation car being designed and an ever-growing connection with the local Syracuse community, I look forward to seeing what the team can become in the upcoming years.”
Even as Storrs prepares to graduate, he believes the club will continue to thrive. “Baja and the other engineering teams are an invaluable addition to the ECS community, and are, in my opinion, undervalued. We provide practical and hands-on experience to students, which is something that cannot be taught in class. I hope that through our continued success and growth, we can further prove our value to the engineering community.”
Biomedical and Chemical Engineering Professor Shikha Nangia has been named the permanent Department Chair of BMCE in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. She has served as the Interim Department Chair of BMCE since August 1, 2024, and her first term as Department Chair will run through summer 2028.
Nangia joined Syracuse University in 2012 and has since established herself as a leading expert in computational modeling, with a focus on overcoming biological barriers. Her groundbreaking research addresses critical challenges in treating complex diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as investigating gut tight junctions, implantable device-related infections, and epigenetics. A significant aspect of her work involves studying the architecture of the blood-brain barrier to develop innovative strategies for enhancing the delivery of drug molecules into the brain.
Nangia has authored numerous high-impact publications in leading scientific journals and serves as an Associate Editor for ACS Applied Bio Materials. She was a recipient of the NSF Career Award in 2015 and has received substantial funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She has also received numerous honors for her research, including the ACS OpenEye Outstanding Junior Faculty Award (2016) and the ACS WCC Rising Star Award (2022).
Since 2012, Nangia has mentored approximately 110 students at various stages of their academic journeys, including postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, undergraduates, and high school students. Her dedication to teaching and mentoring has earned her numerous prestigious awards, such as the College Technology Educator of the Year (2016), the Meredith Teaching Recognition Award (2017), the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Education (2017), the Chancellor’s Citation Award for Outstanding Contributions to Student Experience and University Initiatives (2019), and the Excellence in Graduate Education Faculty Recognition Award (2022).
Currently, she serves as the faculty co-director of the Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) program and leads several impactful initiatives, including the NSF Interactive Biomaterials REU site and the NIH ESTEEMED program, which focuses on undergraduate research training.
“Shikha Nangia’s exceptional research contributions and mentorship are a testament to her capabilities as a leader in her field. I’m confident that she will continue to advance our college’s research initiatives in the Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering,” says Dean J. Cole Smith.
“I am deeply honored to lead this remarkable department, built on a strong foundation of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Together, we will push the boundaries of engineering, fostering a culture that values diversity, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge,” says Nangia. “Our mission is to educate the next generation of biomedical and chemical engineers and to pioneer research that addresses today’s challenges while shaping a better tomorrow. I am committed to empowering our faculty, staff, and students by creating an inclusive environment where every voice is heard, and every idea has the potential to thrive.”
When Emily Greaney ’21 G’22 faced the decision of where to attend college, she pictured a place that embodied the typical college experience – a campus with a beautiful landscape, great academic programs, and a vibrant school spirit with athletics and club sports. So when she came across Syracuse University during her search and saw everything the University had to offer, she knew it was the place to be.
“The programs were good, the campus had a collegiate feel, and it wasn’t too far from my home in New Jersey. I started playing ice hockey in high school senior year and SU had a club and D1 team, so it was an ideal school for me,” Greaney says.
Before graduating high school, Greaney initially planned to become a physical therapist but pivoted to engineering when she attended a summer camp at Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey. This experience would be crucial to discovering her passion for mechanical engineering.
“The summer camp touched on each engineering discipline. The mechanical module came up and we were playing soccer with robots” says Greaney. “It was taking all the things I loved, math, science, and physics, and putting it all together. After that, I knew mechanical was the way to go.”
Enrolling in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) as a mechanical engineering student, Greaney experienced what life at SU was all about. Joining clubs and connecting with others, she also got the chance to play ice hockey and find community among like-minded individuals.
“I really liked how welcoming the staff at ECS was. It was an environment where I never felt unsafe and felt that I belonged there,” she says. “They fostered that environment and my overall experience at Syracuse was great. There was always something to do, and I appreciated how the campus catered to anyone’s interest.”
Graduating from ECS with her bachelor’s in 2021 and her master’s in 2022, Greaney now works as a Generator Insulation and Non-Metallic Mechanical Engineer at General Electric (GE) Vernova. GE Vernova primarily focuses on energy generation, decarbonization, building power plants, and wind turbines. In her current position, Greaney works on the insulation that goes on copper bars inside power plant generators.
“In our power plants, we have generators. Those are what create the electricity that goes to the power grid. I’m working on the insulations that go around the copper bars that sit inside those generators.”
Greaney also runs a mechanical testing lab where a material’s mechanical properties are examined to see if they’re suitable for use. She’ll often start her day by going to the manufacturing floor of the building to see what’s going on. These workplace walkthroughs, known as “Gemba walks”, help management understand the work being done and engage with employees. Gemba walks derives from the Japanese word “Gemba” which means “the real place.”
“Gemba is where you actually go to where things are happening. You talk to the people, you understand what issues you’ve been experiencing for the past 24 hours and that kicks off your day on what you need to focus on or prioritize. I go there to understand what issues they’ve been experiencing and if that will be applicable to projects I’m working on.”
Greaney has also been interfacing with the mechanical manufacturing shop to create some samples for mechanical testing in her lab among other projects. She loves that her job continually keeps things interesting, and it goes hand-in-hand with her passion for sustainability.
“My advice to students would be to find your passion. I’m into sustainability and use this passion to contribute to making the world a better place. Whatever your passion is, find it since that will make you not dread your job.”
For many years, William T. “Ted” Frantz ’80, P’13 has been a faithful contributor to his alma mater, donating annually to the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) where he earned an undergraduate degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering. But in 2024, Frantz made a philanthropic decision and a substantial investment in ECS that is designed to be transformative for the college and the region.
His new gift, which will be partially matched by the University through the Forever Orange Faculty Excellence Program, will establish the William T. Frantz Endowed Chair in Engineering and Computer Science. “The idea for this gift has been simmering for nearly 20 years,” says Frantz. The engineer turned investor, who has studied and invested in many promising concepts and companies, says his newest investment in ECS as part of the Forever Orange Campaign was a matter of just-the-right timing.
“The timing is ideal, coming on the heels of Micron Technology’s $100 billion commitment to the region,” says Frantz. He says the partnership opportunities between the technology company and the University are a boon for students, faculty and the wider community. “It’s a great time to invest in the University, the expansion of the engineering program and in the region. These things tend to build on each other.”
Frantz draws similarities to the success of Silicon Valley, where he once worked for Hewlett-Packard. “I witnessed the growth of Silicon Valley and how nearby universities like Stanford, Berkeley and Santa Clara provided the intellectual expertise, engineering and research,” he says. Forward-looking investors seized opportunities brought about by the region’s dynamic partnerships and ingenuity.
New Ideas
Investing in new ideas has always held appeal for Frantz, who has provided capital for companies exploring new computer technologies and biotech firms developing new therapeutics for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diabetes and other diseases. “It’s the challenge of seeing something grow and make a go of it, get off the ground and get bigger,” says Frantz.
The man who loves to see new ideas get off the ground and soar was perhaps inspired at a young age by his neighbors. They were airline pilots who built an aerobatic plane in the garage. A curious young Frantz helped out after school. One of those neighbors was Leo Loudenslager, who was a mechanic in the Air Force and a pilot for American Airlines, but who is best known for winning multiple U.S. Aerobatic Championships. “Leo was innovative,” says Frantz. “The design changes he made shook up the aerobatic community. And he not only built it, he flew it.”
Frantz, who has his own pilot’s license, has combined his passion for flight with his desire to fuel innovation through investment in a significant gift he made to Syracuse University students and the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in 2008. Frantz funded the purchase and upkeep of an advanced flight simulator that would allow students to get hands-on experience with flight vehicles that they designed and to experiment “with the ‘edge of the envelope’ without endangering any persons or property.”
Edge of Innovation
Similarly, Frantz hopes his latest gift will help keep ECS on the edge of innovation, build on past successes and bring greater prestige. He notes that the gift is structured to allow for flexibility in that it is not restricted to a particular aspect or field of engineering. The recipient of the endowed chair will be selected by the dean of the college and hold a term of five years that is renewable. Frantz says flexibility allows the dean to look into the future and identify new fields where investing in faculty expertise would be most promising.
“Ted is a visionary in his approach to philanthropy,” says ECS Dean J. Cole Smith. “His background as both an engineer and investor allows him to look far into the future, to see where technology and creativity can take the next generation of engineers and computer scientists. His generosity is literally helping us shape the future of our program as we address the challenges facing our globe.”
“I’ve been studying the history of Syracuse,” says Frantz. “At one point, it was the center of commerce with proximity to the Erie Canal that allowed steel and manufacturing to thrive. But the city did not adjust to change, and new growth industries did not take root and adapt. Now, with Micron’s investment, the city has new opportunities, and Syracuse University is perfectly situated to take advantage of those opportunities.”
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Professor Quinn Qiao has been named Interim Associate Dean for Research (ADR) in the College of Engineering and Computer Science.
Qiao joined Syracuse University in 2020. He has published over 200 papers in leading journals with topics ranging from battery storage and photovoltaics to sustainability and precision agriculture, establishing him as a global leader in electrical and materials engineering research. He has more than 16,000 citations on Google Scholar and received funding from a wide range of federal and industrial sources.
Qiao has experience in building and promoting successful interdisciplinary research teams as the Site Director for the National Science Foundation (NSF) Industry-University Cooperative Research (IUCRC) Center for Solid-State Electric Power Storage (CEPS) at Syracuse University. He is also a campus lead at Syracuse University for the NSF Regional Innovation Engines New Energy New York led by Binghamton University and a recipient of the NSF CAREER Award in 2010.
“Quinn Qiao possesses exceptional research expertise, and his colleagues throughout the College have truly come to admire his passion and excitement for innovation since he came to Syracuse University,” says Dean J. Cole Smith. “His experience and proven ability to build successful interdisciplinary teams will be crucial for advancing our College’s research initiatives to new heights.”
“I am honored to step into this ADR role to build on the numerous successes that have been achieved, maintain the great momentum ECS currently has, grow new research areas to broaden the funding opportunities, partner with industry to advance technology and develop the workforce, and support our faculty and students to continue to innovate and succeed in a competitive world,” Qiao says. “We will certainly encounter new challenges, but I am confident that with the determination and persistence of our highly talented faculty and students, we will continue to grow as a leader in engineering fields.”
Distinguished Professor in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Pramod K. Varshney has received the Best Paper Award from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Conference on Signal, Information, and Data Processing. The conference took place in Zhuhai, China on November 22-24, 2024.
The award-winning paper focused on using copulas for change detection in heterogeneous remote sensing images. Copulas are a powerful tool used for modeling the dependence between multiple random variables. Over the past 15 years, Varshney’s research group has used copulas in various decision-making problems, including national security and defense and medical diagnoses, such as the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.
Varshney and his colleagues proposed using copulas to improve change detection using heterogeneous remote sensing images. Heterogeneous remote sensing involves analyzing multiple images captured by different sensors or satellites at various times to identify changes in geographic features. This method is commonly used for disaster monitoring and land-use management. Experiments with different types of remote sensing images showed that the copula-guided neural network was effective and helped users better understand changes in geography.
“I co-authored the paper with two of my former visiting scholars who are professors at the famous Tsinghua University in China and my former doctoral student who is a faculty member at the University of Alabama at Birmingham,” says Varshney. “It is indeed a pleasure to maintain collaboration relationship with former members of my research group. The novel approach that combines copula theory with deep neural networks (DNNs) is quite novel and innovative. I am extremely happy that this work was deemed worthy of a Best Paper Award.”
