College of Engineering honors outstanding students, teaching assistants for spring 2026

Engineering faculty honored 17 undergraduate seniors, nine graduate seniors, and ten 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 April 8.

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. 

“This is one of the best days of the year,” David W. Hahn, the Craig M. Berge Dean of the College of Engineering, told the students. “Today, we get to celebrate you and everything you’ve accomplished.”

Access the event photo gallery.

Undergraduate seniors

Aerospace engineering: Zachary Yang
Architectural engineering: Morgan Fero

“Morgan exemplifies exactly what we hope to see – academic excellence, leadership and a deep commitment to helping others succeed.” – Dominic Boccelli, department head and professor of civil and architectural engineering and mechanics 

Biomedical engineering: Ethan Lin
Biomedical engineering: Lucas Mellinger

“Lucas is an exceptional student and researcher who is deeply committed to building a supportive environment for others to succeed.” – Alexander McGhee, assistant professor of biomedical engineering

Biosystems engineering: Naomi Kolodisner

“Naomi’s passion for environmental sustainability has shaped her journey, both intellectually and professionally. She’s not only excelled academically – she’s been a mentor to others, a leader and an ambassador for the program.” – Murat Kacira, professor and interim department head for biosystems engineering

Chemical engineering: Zoe Johnson

“Zoe sets the standard. Faculty often gauge how fair an exam was by how she performs. With a perfect GPA and consistently at the top of her class, she exemplifies true academic excellence.” – Kimberly Ogden, professor and department chair of chemical and environmental engineering

Civil engineering: Keegan Kyrolainen
Electrical and computer engineering: Briana Shannon Curley

“Briana’s nomination was a complete consensus between faculty across the department to recognize her outstanding performance. She performed at a level comparable to graduate students in the same classes – that’s not an easy accomplishment.” – Ali Bilgin, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering

Engineering management: Josh Nau
Environmental engineering: Ryan Cotter

“Ryan is one of the most exceptional students I’ve had, both in the classroom and beyond. What sets Ryan apart is not just his academic success, but his leadership, service and commitment to others.” – Cherie DeVore, assistant professor of chemical and environmental engineering

Intelligence and information operations: Luis Ayala Urquidez

“Luis is the ideal intelligence and information operations student – his dedication, discipline and achievements truly set him apart. From immigrating in 2014 to serving in the National Guard while earning a 4.0, his journey is nothing short of extraordinary.” – Linda Denno, assistant professor of practice in intelligence and information operations

Materials science and engineering: Connor Tankersley
Mechanical engineering: Molly Auer

“Molly is a model student, excelling academically while contributing meaningfully across multiple areas of engineering. She has maintained outstanding academic performance while succeeding in some of the most challenging courses.”- Daniel Diaz, assistant research professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering

School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources: Robyn Bufano
Optical science and engineering: Nathan Tankesly
Software engineering: Megan Zupancic

“Megan is a leader in every sense of the word, from mentoring students in lab courses to serving as an engineering ambassador. As an undergraduate lab assistant, she helped create tutorials and support students through complex digital logic concepts.”- Hal Tharp, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering

Systems engineering: Michael Jones

Graduate seniors

Aerospace engineering: Felipe Rodriguez Fuentes

“Felipe has been an incredible part of our program. I’m really going to miss him. He came to us from Spain and built an impressive academic path, earning his master’s degree and continuing to a PhD.” -Bernard Parent, associate professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering

Biomedical engineering: Gerardo Figueroa

“What stood out most was Gerardo’s genuine passion for research and his drive to make a real impact – both in the lab and beyond.” -Shang Song, Frank L. and Daphna Lederman Professor and assistant professor of biomedical engineering

Biosystems engineering: Alexis DeFord

“Alexis is one of the most talented and enthusiastic students I’ve worked with and easily one of the smartest. We recognized her potential early on and knew she was someone who could go far in research and beyond.” – Jeong-Yeol Yoon, professor of biomedical engineering

Civil engineering and mechanics: Uddav Ghimire

“For Uddav, engineering has never just been about equations or design – it’s about the impact his work creates. He sets the bar incredibly high, both in research and in the classroom.” – Tejo Bheemasetti, assistant professor of civil and architectural engineering and mechanics

Environmental engineering: Hercilio Zimila

“Hercilio stands out for both his leadership and his research.” – Eduardo Sáez, University Distinguished Professor of chemical and environmental engineering

Industrial engineering: Ximena Peregrino
Materials science and engineering: Madeline Dailey

“Madeline is not only an exceptional researcher, but also a standout communicator on an international stage.” -Barrett G. Potter, professor of materials science and engineering 

School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources: Diego Canullan
Software engineering: Sujan Ghimire

Teaching assistants

Aerospace engineering: Adam Skora
Biomedical engineering: Lin Li
Biosystems engineering: Marisa McMichael
Chemical engineering: Isaiah Hernandez
Civil engineering: Eka Kurniati
Electrical and computer engineering: Alex Romero-Lozano
Environmental engineering: Reema Shinh
School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources: Sylvester Avane
Optical sciences and engineering: Yong Xin "Kongo" Lai
Systems engineering: Majed Alasiri