Our 2026 Scholars
Biography section
Please enjoy these biographies and thoughts by our 2025 scholars. They are listed in alphabetical order.
Sameer Ali | Electrical Engineering
Sameer Ali is a resilient, adaptable, and friendly Electrical Engineering student whose interest in microelectronics began during the semiconductor shortage. A microelectronics research internship at UC Davis confirmed his desire to work in the field, while balancing school, family, and a demanding commute taught him discipline and intentional time management. Sameer hopes to become a semiconductor process engineer focused on energy-efficient manufacturing, particularly for advanced chips used in artificial intelligence. As a nontraditional student, husband, and mentor, he helps younger people manage budgets, schedules, and educational challenges. He encourages students to join study groups, seek internships, network early, and recognize that collaboration is part of success.
Ngoc An Nguyen | Electrical Engineering
Ngoc An Nguyen is an enthusiastic, respectful, and thoughtful Electrical Engineering student whose interest began with an Arduino kit purchased after watching a beginner’s video. Through mechatronics coursework and a SkillsUSA search-and-rescue rover project, Ngoc An discovered a love for troubleshooting, programming, and creating practical solutions. Ngoc An has also served as a leader in a community outreach club that collected clothing and donations for unhoused neighbors. With a goal of designing semiconductor chips that make everyday devices smarter and easier to control, Ngoc An hopes to combine technical work with service. Ngoc An encourages first-year students to make friends, connect with upperclassmen, keep building skills, and be patient about internships.
Erik Aran | Industrial & Systems Engineering
Erik Aran is a disciplined, resilient, and team-oriented Industrial and Systems Engineering student who enjoys breaking down complex problems and redesigning processes to make them more efficient. Moving from Mexico to the United States during ninth grade required Erik to adapt to a new language and environment while developing the strong work ethic that guides him today. Erik plans to join the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers and hopes to become a supply-chain or operations manager in the technology industry. In the long term, Erik wants to create a consulting firm that helps smaller companies reduce waste and compete effectively. Erik encourages students to replace motivation with discipline, step beyond fear, and build a strong network.
Yanin Arevalos | Software Engineering
Yanin Arevalos is a persistent, curious, and ambitious Software Engineering student who wants to use technology and artificial intelligence to solve problems that improve people’s lives. Yanin is especially interested in machine learning applications such as earlier and more accurate cancer detection. Through IEEE, Yanin works in marketing, promoting events through websites and flyers and helping women and Hispanic students see a place for themselves in technology. Yanin hopes to expand that work through partnerships with other organizations so students can grow together rather than navigate the field alone. Yanin encourages students to join clubs, participate fully, network early, and build supportive relationships within their major.
Akansha Bansiya | Software Engineering
Akansha Bansiya is a resilient, trustworthy, and curious Software Engineering student who has embraced the challenge of pursuing a master’s degree as an international student. Adjusting to a new education system and living away from family became easier through campus involvement, hackathons, mentoring, and relationships with professors. Akansha has conducted research in Professor Ben Reed’s lab and mentored undergraduate students through the NASA–SJSU Summer Internship Program. Akansha hopes to build secure, reliable, and useful AI systems that protect users and improve access to educational tools. The advice Akansha shares is to become involved early, because organizations, labs, and projects create learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
Kristina Bathan | Electrical Engineering
Kristina Bathan is a thoughtful, hardworking, and curious Electrical Engineering student fascinated by the ways technology connects people and makes daily life possible. Growing up across different countries, Kristina experienced how video calls, messages, and digital tools can bridge distance and maintain relationships. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Kristina pursued a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering to deepen an understanding of hardware design, embedded systems, and digital networks. Kristina volunteers at Second Harvest and hopes to become an embedded systems engineer developing secure, reliable controllers for automation and industrial systems. Her advice is to make friends, seek hands-on experience, and keep asking why.
Raymond Calzada | Aviation and Technology
Raymond Calzada is a disciplined, driven, and dependable Aviation and Technology student committed to building a career in aviation. While attending college, preparing for FAA certification, and working two part-time jobs, Raymond earned an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate and an associate degree in Flight Technology and Aircraft Dispatching before transferring to SJSU. He participates in AFROTC to build leadership and professional experience and hopes to become a pilot or aircraft dispatcher. Raymond wants to promote safety, discipline, integrity, service, and excellence in aviation while mentoring future professionals. He encourages students to build connections and make steady progress academically, financially, physically, mentally, and socially.
Rishik Dammannagari | Aviation and Technology
Rishik Dammannagari is a resilient, dedicated, and community-minded Aviation and Technology student whose interests include networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and emerging technologies. As an international student, Rishik overcame the challenges of adapting to a new education system and building a career path in a new country. Rishik now serves as President of the Network Engineering Technology Society and holds a leadership role in Epsilon Pi Tau, organizing workshops, career panels, and hands-on learning opportunities. Rishik hopes to become a network security engineer who designs secure, resilient infrastructure and mentors students who may not initially see a place in technology. Rishik encourages students to get involved early, build relationships, seek hands-on experiences, and keep moving forward through setbacks.
Brian De Wild | Electrical Engineering
Brian De Wild is a curious, motivated, and intelligent Electrical Engineering student specializing in radio-frequency systems. While learning industry tools such as Altium, Cadence, and ADS was challenging, Brian built confidence and independence through consistent practice. At SJSU, Brian has contributed to SpartanSat’s software-defined-radio team and an RFIC research group, designing circuits, exploring modulation, researching antennas, and documenting technical work for future students. Brian hopes to become an RFIC design engineer at Marvell, developing faster and more power-efficient communication systems, while eventually mentoring younger engineers. Brian encourages students to build relationships, attend career events, seek faculty guidance, and explore different areas of engineering early.
Maxim Dokukin | Computer Engineering
Maxim Dokukin is a persistent, resilient, and flexible Computer Engineering student interested in software, hardware, data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. After struggling with difficult mathematics, Maxim learned to break complex ideas into manageable pieces, a strategy that helped him succeed and inspired him to become a tutor and Learning Assistant. As President of SJSU’s AI & ML Club, he has expanded opportunities for students to build projects, meet industry professionals, and learn together. Maxim hopes to become an AI systems engineer or engineering lead creating reliable, efficient, transparent, and human-centered AI. He encourages students to get involved early, build genuine relationships, and pursue opportunities even when they feel unprepared.
Emma Du | Electrical Engineering
Emma Du is a thoughtful, caring, and dedicated Electrical Engineering student who enjoys creating, building, and solving problems with circuits. Her interests include linear accelerators, X-ray science, characterization, and energy storage. Through the Microscale Process Engineering Laboratory, Emma has worked on semiconductor fabrication and photolithography optimization and is preparing a senior project focused on a memristor process design kit. An internship at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory strengthened her interest in research, and she hopes to pursue a Ph.D. and contribute to a research laboratory or academic institution. Emma encourages students to take on challenging experiences and explore the unexpected opportunities, or “side quests,” that make college meaningful.
Braydon Ellison | Aviation and Technology
Braydon Ellison is a creative, flexible, and dedicated Aviation and Technology student interested in aviation and pursuing a future as a commercial or military pilot. Growing up while adapting to the changing learning environments associated with a parent’s humanitarian-aid work taught Braydon to be flexible and persistent. Braydon is continuing flight training and is exploring ways to become more involved in the SJSU community while maintaining an interest in humanitarian aid. The current dream is to fly for the United States Air Force, potentially operating aircraft such as the F-15EX or F-35. Braydon encourages students to join clubs and community activities early so they can build connections and discover opportunities.
Isabella Ford | Biomedical Engineering
Isabella Ford is a diligent, accommodating, and motivated Biomedical Engineering student inspired by her family’s experience with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. She hopes to develop tools that preserve memory, protect individuality, and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Isabella plans to become active in the Engineering Women’s Society and the Biomedical Engineering Society so she can build community, explore emerging technologies, and connect with other women in engineering. Her long-term goal is to work in research and development on devices for cognitive disorders. She believes students should reach out early, build professional relationships, join clubs, attend showcases, and pursue internships and collaborative projects.
Adil Gadi | Electrical Engineering
Adil Gadi is a hardworking, kindhearted, and determined Electrical Engineering student whose passion began with teaching himself to build video games and applications. His interest grew through robotics, where he designed control models, vision systems, and wiring schematics, and eventually became focused on telecommunications and radio-frequency engineering. At SJSU, Adil plans to join IEEE, Robotics, and Spartan Racing while pursuing research and development in more efficient electromagnetic communication. His experiences have shown him the value of combining mathematics, physics, programming, and hands-on design. Adil encourages students to become involved in clubs, take pride in their skills, and recognize the progress they have already made.
Win Thant Hlaing | Civil and Environmental Engineering
Win Thant Hlaing is a hardworking, energetic, and helpful student pursuing Civil and Environmental Engineering. Growing up in Myanmar, he saw how communities can be transformed by reliable water systems, transportation, and sustainable infrastructure. After moving to the United States, he overcame the challenge of learning in a new language and academic environment, using those experiences to become more persistent and adaptable. Win hopes to specialize in sustainable water systems and environmental engineering so he can improve health and quality of life in communities that lack access to clean water. He plans to become more involved in engineering, service, and volunteer activities while encouraging other students to build connections and seek opportunities.
Trevor Iwamura | Civil and Environmental Engineering
Trevor Iwamura is a creative, sociable, and eclectic Civil and Environmental Engineering student who found direction by speaking with environmental engineers about how their work affects communities. His interest in the outdoors and conservation led him toward coastal engineering and the challenge of protecting communities as sea levels rise. Trevor is also active in the Bay Area music community, helping organize accessible local shows that give artists and neighbors a place to connect and belong. He hopes to use engineering to address climate-related infrastructure needs while contributing to more resilient communities. Trevor encourages students to participate actively in their communities, where they can find both professional connections and lifelong friendships.
Marley Johnson | Mechanical Engineering
Marley Johnson is a passionate, motivated, and curious Mechanical Engineering student who chose the major because its broad range of concepts and applications offers opportunities to explore new ideas. As a new student, Marley has focused on meeting classmates and forming study groups where peers can learn from one another. Marley also plans to join Formula SAE with support from a family passionate about motorsports. With interests in manufacturing and design, Marley hopes to help advance innovation and improve the efficiency of the systems people use every day. Marley’s advice is to build connections, approach opportunities with an open mind, and make the most of the community surrounding the college experience.
Nikhil Joseph | Chemical and Materials Engineering
Nikhil Joseph is a dedicated, hardworking, and team-oriented Chemical and Materials Engineering student whose interest in chemistry developed into a passion for semiconductor processing and materials. Hands-on experience with microfabrication and thin-film processing led Nikhil to pursue graduate study in Chemical Engineering. At AIChE, Nikhil has participated in technical talks, workshops, networking events, and event planning, while a community soccer group has strengthened teamwork and provided balance. Nikhil hopes to become a process-development or research-and-development engineer focused on photolithography and thin-film deposition. Nikhil encourages students to look beyond academics, join organizations, attend events, and build communication and networking skills.
Sami Khan Khan | Electrical Engineering
Sami Khan Khan is a creative, collaborative, and persistent Electrical Engineering student who learned to turn limited resources into opportunities. Without formal classes or clubs available, Sami experimented with circuit boards and founded Colt Robotics, where students built robots from scarce materials. Sami has since led school activities, coached younger robotics students, analyzed energy use in underserved communities, mentored peers, and organized service projects supporting hospitals, families, and local organizations. At SJSU, Sami is involved with MESA and plans to join engineering clubs. Sami hopes to work in biomedical engineering, helping create affordable and accessible devices such as prosthetics and medical-imaging tools. Sami encourages students to use campus resources, prepare early, and make the most of their time at SJSU.
Taiyo Kobayashi | Mechanical Engineering
Taiyo Kobayashi is a driven, adaptable, and community-minded Mechanical Engineering student who sees failure as a tool for learning and improvement. After a design failed during testing, Taiyo analyzed the problem, redesigned the assembly, and sought mentorship, developing a lasting commitment to resilience and iterative design. Taiyo serves as President of Tau Beta Pi and an Autodesk Lead officer for ASME, organizing workshops, mentorship, and industry events that help students connect theory with practice. Taiyo hopes to work in medical technology or robotics and believes engineering is strongest when people grow together. Taiyo encourages students to ask questions and look for the many opportunities offered by departments and campus offices.
Athea Koester | Biomedical Engineering
Athea Koester is a creative, persevering, and diligent Biomedical Engineering student whose interest in science began with a challenging middle-school class taught by a passionate teacher. She was drawn to biomedical engineering because it combines biology and engineering to create devices that can improve people’s everyday lives. Athea also participates in Meatspace Art Magazine, a student-run art and literary community that gives her a creative outlet and strengthens her communication skills. She hopes to work in medical-device research and design, with a focus on affordable, sustainable technologies. Athea encourages students to engage with their academic community, seek help, and support classmates through difficult courses.
Afra Lalanci | Electrical Engineering
Afra Lalanci is an authentic, determined, and collaborative Electrical Engineering student whose interest in technology grew from watching her grandfather build a summer house from unconventional materials. As a first-generation college student, Afra sought mentors and developed a passion for how digital systems power technologies such as autonomous vehicles, AI accelerators, and virtual-reality devices. After moving to the United States through the Diversity Visa Lottery, Afra adapted to a new life and began graduate study at SJSU. Through the Turkish Women Initiative and IEEE, Afra has developed leadership and technical experience. She hopes to lead semiconductor design and verification teams and encourages students to explore without expecting to have their entire career planned.
Akshay Navani | Software Engineering
Akshay Navani is a curious, resilient, and collaborative Software Engineering student interested in distributed systems, cloud-native architecture, and reliable software at scale. After working as a software developer in fintech, Akshay chose graduate study at SJSU to pursue more complex technical challenges and strengthen a foundation in large-scale systems. Akshay contributes to the campus community as a Community Desk Assistant, helping create a welcoming environment for students from different backgrounds. The long-term goal is to become a software engineer at a product-focused company, building dependable systems that continue to perform as usage grows. Akshay encourages students to become involved early, push beyond social discomfort, and develop meaningful connections outside the classroom.
Andrew Ng | Mechanical Engineering
Andrew Ng is a lighthearted, reliable, and ambitious Mechanical Engineering student whose fascination with engineering began with Legos and grew through VEX Robotics. As a new member of Formula SAE, Andrew is seeking hands-on experience, opportunities to make friends, and a better understanding of how classroom concepts translate into real-world design. Andrew hopes to design robots that improve quality of life, including assistive devices and technologies that make daily activities more convenient. As a freshman, Andrew is focused on finding balance while staying open to new clubs and experiences. Andrew’s advice is to be spontaneous, make the most of college resources, and use the career center early.
Jamie Ngo | Chemical and Materials Engineering
Jamie Ngo is an adventurous, willing, and persistent Chemical and Materials Engineering student whose path to college and engineering was anything but predictable. After moving from Vietnam to the United States and initially studying multimedia and commercial arts, Jamie changed direction after discovering a desire for more challenging technical work. Support from SJSU programs, faculty, mentors, and donors helped Jamie overcome academic setbacks and gain research experience at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and other national laboratories. Jamie now hopes to become a process engineer in the nuclear industry, improving safety, efficiency, and radiological controls. Through College Corps, EOP mentoring, and AIChE leadership, Jamie supports younger students and encourages others to remain curious, willing, and persistent.
Nam Nguyen | Computer Engineering
Nam Nguyen is a driven, tenacious, and insightful Computer Engineering student drawn to the way hardware and software work together. Nam enjoys exploring new technology and hopes to create systems that use AI to improve quality of life. Through tutoring jobs in mathematics and computer science, Nam has learned to adapt explanations to different learning styles while developing patience, communication, and leadership. Nam’s career goal is to work in fintech, creating accessible tools that help people budget, save, and make informed financial decisions. Nam encourages students to try new things, accept failure as part of learning, seek advice from mentors and professors, and build interests and relationships beyond engineering.
Natalie Perucho Ojeda | Biomedical Engineering
Natalie Perucho Ojeda is a charismatic, outgoing, and bright Biomedical Engineering student who wanted to help people through healthcare while recognizing that a traditional medical path was not the right fit. Biomedical engineering offers Natalie a way to contribute to the medical field through design, research, and technology. Natalie has been involved in performing arts throughout life and values the connections, self-understanding, and communication skills that creative communities provide. Natalie also enjoys volunteering at neighborhood events and hopes to continue performing and serving the community while studying. Natalie’s current goal is to explore medical-device research and development and discover a specific problem where engineering can make a meaningful difference.
Ruben Orozco | Mechanical Engineering
Ruben Orozco is a curious, driven, and patient Mechanical Engineering student with interests in product design, manufacturing, research, and development. After beginning in Civil Engineering, he recognized that Mechanical Engineering better matched his passion for creating and improving products. Repeating Calculus I three times was a significant challenge, but Ruben refused to let that experience deter him from an engineering career. At community college, he participated in MESA, SHPE, and Puente, where he found community and became a mentor to other students. He encourages students to put themselves out there, start conversations, and remain curious about the people and opportunities around them.
Emily Paredes | Electrical Engineering
Emily Paredes is a congenial, magnetic, and proactive Electrical Engineering student whose interest in the field grew from watching her family solve problems with limited resources. She learned that engineering can be a practical form of creativity and hopes to design power systems that are reliable, safe, efficient, and equitable for lower-income communities. Emily has served as Mentorship Chair for the Society of Women Engineers, helping create the supportive community she once needed as a woman entering engineering without a family history in the field. She encourages students to understand their purpose, join organizations aligned with their goals, seek leadership opportunities, and use available resources early.
Yin Mon Phyo | Biomedical Engineering
Yin Mon Phyo is a persistent, kind, and helpful Biomedical Engineering student whose education was interrupted by the military coup in Myanmar. After coming to the United States, Yin Mon became interested in how rapidly advancing technology can improve medicine, especially through surgical robotics and diagnostic tools. Yin Mon has participated in STEM events, speaker series, and community activities, helping classmates academically and sharing information with others who are navigating new environments. At SJSU, Yin Mon is joining the Biomedical Engineering Society and exploring additional ways to connect with campus. The goal is to become a research associate developing diagnostic kits and surgical tools that help healthcare professionals treat patients more effectively.
Samuel Ren | Electrical Engineering
Samuel Ren is a quiet, persistent, and adaptable Electrical Engineering student who discovered his confidence through hands-on learning. Although academic pressure once made him question whether engineering was right for him, building a simple light-sensor circuit showed him how curiosity and persistence can turn concepts into something functional. Samuel hopes to become an ASIC design engineer focused on creating powerful, reliable chips that use less energy and generate less heat. He has also contributed to the MESA community by helping maintain a welcoming study space. His advice to other students is to participate before they feel completely ready, because meaningful opportunities often begin with a willingness to get involved.
Jeremy Saade | Industrial & Systems Engineering
Jeremy Saade is an ambitious, passionate, and resilient Industrial and Systems Engineering student who enjoys improving complex systems through creativity, organization, and leadership. Moving from Lebanon to California taught Jeremy adaptability and problem-solving, while running an auto-detailing business sparked an interest in scheduling, workflow, and operational efficiency. Jeremy has developed leadership and service skills through DECA, Lebanese community activities, and volunteer work, and plans to become more involved at SJSU. His long-term goal is to build an operations-focused business that helps companies reduce waste, improve employee and customer experiences, and grow sustainably. Jeremy encourages students to get involved early, build relationships, and step beyond their comfort zones.
Juan Ayuso Santos | Mechanical Engineering
Juan Ayuso Santos is a curious, driven, and ambitious Mechanical Engineering student who discovered his passion for the field after initially considering architecture. Personal challenges once made college uncertain, but his experiences at Cal State LA and San José State University confirmed that mechanical engineering was the right path. Juan is involved in Baja SAE, ASME, EOP, and MESA, gaining hands-on experience in vehicle design, fabrication, 3D printing, and professional development. He hopes to become a mechanical design or manufacturing engineer in the aerospace industry, ideally contributing to NASA projects. Juan encourages students to join clubs early, seek hands-on experience, and build relationships with peers, professors, and professionals.
Alexander Scharf | Biomedical Engineering
Alexander Scharf is an outspoken, observant, and curious Biomedical Engineering student who has always enjoyed understanding how things are made. Personal sports injuries and medical conditions that lacked effective treatment inspired Alexander to apply an interest in building and design to healthcare challenges. Alexander is involved with the Biomedical Engineering Society and hopes to participate in events that connect students in the field. He is also interested in civic engagement and mental-health advocacy. His career goal is to work in research and development on medical devices that are easier to implant and less invasive. Alexander advises students to take prerequisite courses continuously so important knowledge remains fresh and connected.
Karanjit Singh | Aviation and Technology
Karanjit Singh is a resilient, resourceful, and curious Aviation and Technology student whose interest in security technology began while growing up around a family CCTV business. Karanjit became interested in combining networking, electronics, and software to create systems that can respond to problems in real time rather than simply record them. As an international student, Karanjit built confidence through clubs, hackathons, internships, campus technology work, and a growing startup. Karanjit hopes to continue developing Nexovia Security Solutions, an affordable edge-AI platform that helps businesses and community organizations use existing cameras more effectively. Karanjit encourages students to attend events, ask questions, apply even when they do not meet every qualification, and take the first step before they feel ready.
Krishna Sinjali | Mechanical Engineering
Krishna Sinjali is a supportive, friendly, and passionate Mechanical Engineering student from a farming family in Nepal. Watching Krishna’s parents work with limited tools inspired an interest in improving agricultural equipment and designing more efficient machines. Krishna has volunteered with Bindas Toli—We the Helping Hands since 2020, serving as an event manager for fundraisers that support children’s education in Nepal. Krishna hopes to work in robotic hardware and help make humanoid robots safer, more efficient, and more reliable. Krishna’s advice to fellow students is to believe in themselves, pursue their dreams, and take advantage of every opportunity that moves them toward their goals.
Yifei Zhou | Chemical and Materials Engineering
Yifei Zhou is a reliable, creative, and thoughtful Chemical and Materials Engineering student whose path began in chemistry and expanded into computational research. After working in academic and pharmaceutical laboratories, Yifei discovered an interest in computational drug design and later pursued graduate study in Chemical Engineering. Yifei now works in a materials engineering lab, using computational calculations to predict material properties and connect classroom theory to real-world problems. The long-term goal is to become a computational materials engineer in the semiconductor industry and help develop faster, more efficient devices while using limited resources responsibly. Yifei encourages students to explore beyond their comfort zones, try new experiences, and take advantage of opportunities as they arise.
