College of Engineering celebrates fall 2025 outstanding students, teaching assistants
Faculty and staff share a meal with students, awarding standout graduating seniors and teaching assistants with commemorative plaques and special acknowledgments.
‘The students we’re celebrating today have truly risen to the top,’ says David W. Hahn, Craig M. Berge Dean of the College of Engineering, at the awards luncheon.
Engineering faculty honored 11 undergraduate seniors, eight graduate seniors, and eight teaching assistants with awards recognizing exceptional academic and research performance. The nominations were followed by a luncheon hosted at the University of Arizona Student Union Memorial Center on Nov. 18.
Each student received a framed award and a university gift bag to commemorate their academic career. Nominating professors made short speeches about their outstanding students.
“The students we’re celebrating today have truly risen to the top,” David W. Hahn, the Craig M. Berge Dean of the College of Engineering, told the students. “They’ve distinguished themselves through their commitment in the classroom, their engagement beyond it, and their collaborative spirit in helping elevate those around them.”
Access the event photo gallery.
Outstanding seniors
(Front row, from left) College of Engineering outstanding seniors Katie Lien Thai and Tiffany Hudgins join fellow award winners (back row, from left) Anthony Lewis, Sean Young and Matthew Calderon.
Aerospace engineering: Sean Young
“Sean will head to Washington in the coming months to begin work as a nuclear test engineer, a role he’s exceptionally well-prepared for. With an outstanding academic record, extensive research experience, and multiple internships, he has consistently demonstrated excellence." – Justine Schluntz, associate professor of practice and associate department head of aerospace and mechanical engineering.
Biosystems engineering: Mikaela Sanchez
Civil engineering: Jackson Norbutas
Industrial engineering: Tiffany Hudgins
“Tiffany embodies everything great about industrial engineering. Her leadership in professional organizations and her strong work in the classroom have truly stood out.” – Hannah Budinoff, assistant professor in systems and industrial engineering.
Electrical and computer engineering: Alireza Shariati
Mechanical engineering: Anthony Lewis
“Anthony has been through personal tragedy during his time at the U of A and overcame it, becoming a stronger person in the process. He's had internships at Caterpillar and Tesla, and he's received a verbal offer to continue at Tesla." – Justine Schluntz, associate professor of practice and associate department head of aerospace and mechanical engineering.
School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources: Fransiska Pogolamun
“Fransiska is well-known and deeply loved throughout the department. After graduation, she’ll begin her career with Freeport-McMoRan.” – Selo Ndlovu, professor in the School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources.
Software engineering: Phoenix Garcia
Materials science and engineering: Katie Lien Thai
“Katie has contributed to several research projects with me over the years, and it has been a pleasure having her in the department." – Sammy Tin, the Patrick R. Taylor Endowed Department Leadership Chair of Materials Science and Engineering and MSE department head.
Systems engineering: Matthew Calderon
Engineering management: Lauren Froberg
“Lauren is truly exceptional. She approaches every task with excellence, and it’s wonderful to celebrate her hard work. After completing two internships with McCarthy Building Companies, she’ll be joining their team full-time." – Michael Kwinn, systems and industrial engineering professor of practice.
Outstanding graduate students
Aerospace engineering: Parisa Footohi
Biomedical engineering: Kevin Kasper
“Kevin has published 29 research papers, an extraordinary achievement at this stage in his career." – Philipp Gutruf, associate professor and associate department head of biomedical engineering.
Civil and architectural engineering and mechanics: Sahand Motameni
Electrical and computer engineering: Michael Bullock
Materials science and engineering: Luis Arciniaga
“Luis has been extremely involved with outreach for the department over the past few years. He also served as president of the SHPE chapter here at the University of Arizona." – Sammy Tin, the Patrick R. Taylor Endowed Department Leadership Chair of Materials Science and Engineering and MSE department head.
Mechanical engineering: Isaac Pimienta
School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources: Jose Restrepo
Systems and industrial engineering: Yeshuai He
“Yeshuai is an exceptional graduate student and an even more impressive engineer. Wherever he chooses to focus his talents, his future will undoubtedly be bright." – Jianqiang Cheng, associate professor of systems and industrial engineering.
Outstanding teaching assistants
Biomedical engineering: Reid Loeffler
“I cannot run this class without assistants like Reid. This year, we have been making important additions and modifications to my class by implementing our own research into our lab. Without Reid’s help, I could not have made it happen." – Jeong-Yeol Yoon, professor of biomedical engineering.
Chemical engineering: Isaiah Hernandez
Electrical and computer engineering: Md Muhtasim Alam Chowdhury
“Md Muhtasim was my first PhD student, and I’ve had the pleasure of working with him for the past three years. He has been instrumental in supporting our students, always willing to help and never turning anyone away." – Soheil Salehi, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering.
Civil and architectural engineering and Mechanics: Uddav Ghimire
Environmental engineering: Angel Martin
“I've worked with Angel for the last several years on various algae-related projects, and when I was allowed to choose a TA for my class, she was my first choice." – Greg Ogden, research professor of chemical and environmental engineering.
Computer science and engineering: Hariharan Ramesh
School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources: Isaac Leiterman
“Isaac is an outstanding teaching assistant and an even more impressive researcher. We’re thrilled he’s decided to stay on for a PhD, which means we get to enjoy his teaching talents even longer. He brings remarkable energy to the department and the students truly love him." – Selo Ndlovu, professor in the School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources.
Systems engineering: Savanna Silva
“Savanna is one of the finest teaching assistants I’ve had the pleasure of working with. She is creative, intelligent and deeply committed to helping our students learn and succeed." – Michael Kwinn, systems and industrial engineering professor of practice.
