Graduate fellowships fuel ‘meaningful contributions’ to pioneering research
Engineering fellows at the University of Arizona are pushing the boundaries of technology in areas from computing systems to copper mining.
(From left) Amy Cook, Muhid Hassan and Sarah Patterson are among the engineering students receiving 2025-2026 graduate fellowships and advancing high-profile research at the University of Arizona.
Fellowships play a vital role in funding graduate students as they engage in critical research at the College of Engineering.
Meet just a few talented engineering students who received fellowships in 2025-2026 and read the full list of fellows.
Scaling material for advanced computing
Haq Fellow Amy Cook is tackling one of quantum computing’s greatest obstacles: stabilizing superposition to process vast amounts of data.
Superposition allows units of digital data to exist in two states simultaneously rather than one, multiplying computing power exponentially.
The materials science and engineering doctoral student researches how materials can produce phi-bits – topological acoustic waves that transfer data – at the New Frontiers of Sound Science and Technology Center.
“Understanding these properties can help us to create scalable, low-cost computing systems that function in ways similar to theoretical quantum computing platforms,” she said.
Quantum computers are expected to surpass traditional computing in data storage, drug discovery and artificial intelligence. But traditional qubits – subatomic particles that transfer data – are sensitive to heat and radiation, quickly losing their computing power.
Phi-bits could be a low-cost alternative. They can function at room temperature and withstand environmental noise that would otherwise destroy qubits.
Working with adviser Pierre Deymier, the NewFoS center director and MSE professor, Cook is collecting data on phi-bit behavior to identify materials best suited to make quantum computers a reality.
Cook, who earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in MSE at the U of A, values the fellowship for more than financial support.
“I feel like I can make positive and meaningful contributions to not only our academic world, but to our country and communities,” said Cook, the only Haq Fellow from the college.
Solutions for copper demand
Herbold Fellow Sarah Patterson charted her career toward mineral extraction after taking two courses with Isabel Barton, associate professor in the School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources.
“She was my first introduction to mining engineering; she later had an opening in her lab, and that inspired me to get my master’s,” the SMEMR doctoral student said. “I’ve never looked back.”
Taking note of Barton’s efforts to identify critical minerals in mine waste, Patterson wants to develop a process that chemically extracts copper domestically while reducing environmental harm – keeping the mineral stateside and cutting transportation costs.
“Mining engineers often focus on greener and safer physical extraction methods, but addressing the chemical barriers in mining with metallurgical solutions can also allow us to be more environmentally friendly,” she said.
Patterson has zeroed in on chalcopyrite, a copper-iron-sulfide that resists hydrometallurgy, a method that separates minerals from ore with a liquid combining water and acid.
“Chalcopyrite requires a lengthy extraction process,” she said. “My goal is to understand chalcopyrite’s behavior and increase safe, economic copper recovery.”
Most chalcopyrite copper concentrate produced in the United States is shipped overseas for refining. Patterson’s research is aimed at developing an on-site hydrometallurgy process that cuts emissions while supporting the domestic demand for copper.
The Department of the Interior listed copper as a critical mineral in 2025 due to its use in electronic devices and machinery.
Anticipating accidents with real-time safety systems
Software engineering doctoral candidate Muhid Hassan takes pride in making roads safer.
The Herbold Fellow builds systems that warn drivers of hazardous conditions, reducing the likelihood of collisions.
“I’ve observed that even in many modern countries, infrastructure can be weak, which increases the risk of accidents,” Hassan said. “That drives me to develop technology that prevents accidents, rather than just responding to them.”
His research focuses on connected vehicle systems – networks of cars, phones, sensors, and traffic devices that continuously exchange real-time safety messages to monitor traffic. He aims to keep these systems secure, reliable and scalable so they can reduce crashes, protect pedestrians and create safer roadways.
Under the supervision of adviser Larry Head, professor of systems and industrial engineering, Hassan prototyped a platform called DriveArizona that provides drivers with real-time, situational safety alerts. He credits the fellowship with helping him develop this system.
“Winning the fellowship allows me to focus entirely on my research and gives me the chance to attend conferences, meet other engineers, and share my work with a broader audience,” he said.
Select universities across the country receive Herbold Fellowships for graduate students applying data science and computation in their studies and research.
2025-26 Engineering Graduate Fellows
Herbold Fellowships
Robert J. (Bob) Herbold is president of The Herbold Foundation and former COO of Microsoft. Each year, a handful of outstanding students at the U of A receive significant funding in their first year of study.
• Lydia Dede Obeng, electrical and computer engineering, PhD
• William Vimal, electrical and computer engineering, PhD
• Yingwei Song, electrical and computer engineering, PhD
• Muhid Hassan, software engineering, PhD
• Jinzhi Shen, electrical and computer engineering, computer science and engineering, PhD
• Sanjeeb Roy, systems and industrial engineering, PhD
• Tyler Wilson, electrical and computer engineering, PhD
• Sarah Patterson, mining and geological engineering, PhD
• Zhuocheng Huang, materials science and engineering, PhD
• Hong Yan, systems and industrial engineering, PhD
Engineering Dean’s Fellowship Program
David W. Hahn, the Craig M. Berge Dean of the college, funds the Engineering Dean's Fellowship with the help of the Craig M. Berge Deanship, along with donor support through the annual Dean's Fund for Excellence. The fellowships expand the college’s doctoral program by providing multi-year salary and stipends to exceptional early-career PhD students.
• Pengxin Wang, electrical and computer engineering, PhD
• Clark Andrew Bonham, biomedical engineering, PhD
• Aaron Michael Brown, materials science and engineering, PhD
• Jiahao Wang, electrical and computer engineering, PhD
• Gabriel Declercq, biomedical engineering, PhD
Graduate College Fellowships
The U of A Graduate College provides stipends for one year to high-achieving first-year engineering students. Graduate students from the U.S. are highly encouraged to apply for GCF funding.
• Abigail Bowers, chemical and environmental engineering, PhD
• Grady Sherwood, mining and geological engineering, PhD
Bruce W. Farmer Memorial Fellowship
The Bruce Farmer Fellowship funds incoming doctoral candidates at the College of Engineering. Farmer earned his bachelor's degree in engineering math from the U of A in 1967. He worked in the space division of aerospace defense company Thompson Ramo Wooldridge Inc. Before Farmer’s passing in 2006, he was an active member of the Arizona Alumni Association.
• Celine Polepole, systems and industrial engineering, PhD
The Subhanul “Samuel” Haq Fellowship
The Haq Endowed Scholarship fund honors the Haq family and their daughter, U of A alum Karen Haq, class of 1993. Engineering graduate students with financial need are encouraged to apply. Applicants should also have a demonstrated interest in international culture and the advancement of women in engineering.
• Amy Cook, materials science and engineering, PhD
