Student Profile – Umama Oishi

Currently a senior in electrical engineering at San José State University, Umama Oishi exemplifies ambition, perseverance, and a passion for problem-solving. Originally from Bangladesh, Umama embarked on her academic journey in the United States at 17 as an exchange student, and completed high school in Missouri before coming to SJSU.

Her passion for engineering was sparked early on by her love for math, and hands-on projects like designing bridges, building robots, and creating digital watches in high school. These challenges ignited her passion for tackling real-world problems through innovative solutions. Now, as the president of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) chapter at SJSU, Umama found an engineering community that motivates her to push forward even when faced with challenges.

Throughout her academic career, Umama has gained significant industry experience, completing four internships with STMicroelectronics. Currently working as a Hardware Engineering Intern, she designs PCBs and technology for imaging sensors, including time-of-flight detectors and cameras. Her earlier roles included lab management, wafer characterization, and application engineering, offering her a comprehensive view of the engineering field. These roles have not only strengthened her technical skills but also powered her passion for hardware engineering and her commitment to continuous learning.

One of the main reasons why Umama decided to return to STMicroelectronics time and time again was because of their collaborative and mentorship-driven culture, which has played a key role in her professional growth. “I’ve been given real responsibilities and opportunities to work on high-impact projects, which makes me feel valued,” stated Umama.

“Persistence is key. Network as much as possible, join engineering organizations, and work on technical projects that make you stand out,” she advises students seeking internships. Umama secured her first internship through a one-on-one conversation with a company representative at SJSU’s STEM Career Fair, showing the importance of proactive networking and utilization of school resources.

Reflecting on her journey, Umama wishes she had prioritized building technical skills and completing more projects earlier in her academic career. However, within the reflection, she also recognizes the progress made and the goals she will fulfill in the future. “Growth often happens just beyond our comfort zones,” she notes, encouraging others to push through uncertainties and embrace challenges as opportunities.

After graduation, Umama plans to work in the industry, making herself as visible as possible to all sides of the industry, before pursuing an MBA or a Ph.D. Ultimately, she aims to launch her own tech company, combining her engineering expertise with business insights to drive impactful change.

Engineering Professors and Teams Honored at Football Game

At the Saturday, November 16 football game (SJSU vs. Boise), professors Katy Kao and Hiu Yung Wong were recognized via a video on the big screen at the CEFCU stadium during the pre-game activities for their most recent accomplishment. Professor Kao was recognized for her expertise in molecular biology and chemical engineering, and for recent awards which included the 2024 Distinguished Educator award. Prof Wong was recognized for authoring a book on quantum computing and for research awards he received.  During the 2nd quarter of the game, the Spartan Racing and the Precision Flight teams were also in a fast-moving, action-packed video up on the big screen touting how these clubs were run, managed, and made up of engineering students who love racing and aviation. Congratulations to the professors and the teams!

Native American, Abigail Reigner

credit: NASA/Sara Lowthian-Hanna

Abigail Reigner stayed connected to her Comanche Nation roots through her parents’ dedication to preserving their Native American traditions. She pursued mechanical engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology, where she joined the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES). This opened doors to internships at NASA, ultimately leading to her current role as a systems engineer at NASA’s Glenn Research Center. Reigner now contributes to projects like hybrid-electric propulsion for sustainable air travel, crediting the Native American community at NASA for fostering diversity and supporting Indigenous talent. Read the full story to explore how Reigner’s heritage and passion are shaping her journey in STEM innovation.

The Rise of Digital Twins: Transforming the Physical World Through Virtual Replicas featuring Prof. Ahmed Banafa

Digital twins, virtual replicas of physical objects or systems, are revolutionizing industries by enabling real-time monitoring, simulation, and optimization across manufacturing, healthcare, urban planning, and more. Originating with NASA’s Apollo missions, this technology has evolved through advancements in the Internet of Things, AI, and cloud computing, offering benefits like cost reduction, enhanced decision-making, and sustainability. However, challenges such as data security, integration complexity, and ethical concerns remain. As digital twins integrate with AI and the metaverse, their transformative potential grows. Read the full article to explore the opportunities and challenges of digital twins.

Student Profile – Keely Brown

Keely Brown, a mechanical engineering junior here at San José State University, was inspired by her brother’s success in the field and her father as a civil engineer, which motivated her to carve her own path in solving real-world problems. “I’ve always been fascinated by the challenge of turning ideas into practical solutions, where I could tackle real-world problems, and make tangible impacts.” she shares.

Originally from Glenwood Springs, Colorado, Keely grew up near Denver, where her love for soccer and engineering began. She started playing at the age of 5 and now she is a dedicated student-athlete on the women’s soccer team. “Soccer has always been my outlet,” Keely reflects, “It challenges me to stay disciplined and focused while giving me a break from academics.”

Balancing being a student and athlete isn’t easy, but Keely has embraced it as an unforgettable experience in her college time. “Time management is key,” she says. Planning out her days carefully, breaking down tasks, and setting short-term goals to keep up with her studies and training. The discipline she has learned on the field translates into her academic life, helping her stay focused amid the challenging workload of engineering courses.

Despite the constant balancing act, having a student-athlete life is something Keely truly treasures. “What I love most is the balance and sense of purpose it gives me,” she shares. “The camaraderie among teammates fosters a community, motivating me to work hard and stay committed. Plus, getting a support system and life-long friendships is what makes the journey so rewarding.”

Keely has also been grateful for the support she receives from SJSU’s athletic program. Academic advisors, understanding coaches, and a tight-knit community of teammates help her manage the pressures and stay on track with her coursework. “The athletic program really prioritizes our well-being,” she notes, “helping me thrive both on and off the field.”

Keely’s advice to young athletes just starting out? “Embrace the learning process, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – every experience is an opportunity to grow. Focus on setting realistic goals, improvement takes time, but above all, enjoy the experience and build friendships along the way.”

After SJSU, Keely is eager to apply her engineering skills to sustainable projects after graduation, especially in water resource management. “I want to contribute to projects that enhance sustainability in resource management and ensure clean, accessible resources for communities,” she says. Working toward a leadership role where she can mentor others, guide the next generation, and drive meaningful change in the engineering field is also something she wishes for her future.

Navigating academic pressures, personal responsibilities, and social dynamics can become overwhelming for college students, but Keely Brown’s passion, hard work, and achieving goals through community support is a beacon of hope on how to overcome those hurdles.

Scholar and Donor Celebration 2024

Once every academic year, scholarship recipients have an opportunity to meet the individual and corporate donors that make student financial support possible. On Tuesday, November 12 at a lunch event, students were able to meet those responsible for their scholarships face to face. Many of the donors are College of Engineering (CoE) alumni who have reached a certain level of success.  Others, including generous corporate donors, want to see students reach their full potential.

After a meet and greet, the event was kicked off by Associate Dean, Nicole Okamoto, who outlined what attendees could expect during the lunch. Dean Sheryl Erhman followed this by thanking the individual and corporate donors.  There were a total of 100 scholarship recipients this semester. Dean Erhman went into detail about the activities that happen year-round in the College of Engineering, including speaking engagements, events, and various clubs that students can participate in.

A short video was played for the attendees that focused on the meaningful impact of scholarships and what they enable students to do. The video also included recipients thanking the donors for their generosity and how the scholarships remove the financial burden from them so they can focus on their studies.

CoE students Charlie Warner, mechanical engineering, and Ferch Sánchez López, software engineering, both gave compelling speeches that included what they were able to accomplish because of scholarships. They also encouraged students to seek out scholarships that will help them obtain their degrees and make them successful in industry.

Associate Dean Okamoto closed the speaking portion of the event. Lunch followed, where students who were seated with their donors could have a more in-depth conversation. For those looking for future scholarship opportunities, remember that the answer is always no until you ask.

Native American, Aaron Yazzie

This November, as we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, we are honored to highlight Aaron Yazzie—a trailblazer whose journey exemplifies the blend of innovation, culture, and community that embodies the spirit of engineering. A member of the Navajo Nation, Yazzie has made significant contributions to planetary exploration as a Mechanical Engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

Aaron Yazzie was born in Tuba City and raised in Holbrook, Arizona, near the Navajo Nation. Later in life, he attended Stanford University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. There he was the president of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) of the Stanford chapter. After graduating, he became a lifetime member.

During his time at Stanford, he interned at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and the Glenn Research Center, eventually leading him to JPL. There, he embarked on designing instruments that would explore other worlds. One of Yazzie’s most notable contributions at NASA has been his work on missions to Mars. As part of the team that developed the mechanical systems for the Mars Science Laboratory and the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover, Yazzie played a pivotal role in creating the rover’s drill systems, which are essential for collecting soil and rock samples.

Yazzie has honored his heritage in all aspects of his life. In 2021, NASA collaborated with the Navajo Nation to name features on Mars using the Navajo language. The Perseverance rover’s team designated landmarks with names like “Máaz” (Mars), “Yéigo” (diligence), and “Séítah” (amongst the sand), showcasing the resilience of the native language on a global scale.

Yazzie regularly speaks to Native American students, encouraging them to pursue their interests in science and engineering. He wants everyone to know that there is a place for them in these fields and that diverse perspectives are essential to solving the complex challenges of the future.

In celebrating Aaron Yazzie, we celebrate the importance of representation, resilience, and the powerful combination of culture and science. His work at NASA is a shining example of how engineers can use their skills not only to advance technology but also to honor and uplift their communities.

Revolutionizing Energy: Advanced Battery Technology and Storage Solutions featuring Prof. Ahmed Banafa

The shift to sustainable energy is accelerating, driven by breakthroughs in battery and energy storage technologies that promise to revolutionize both electric vehicles and power grids. Solid-state batteries are set to transform EVs with higher energy density, faster charging, and enhanced safety, while innovative grid-scale solutions like flow batteries, thermal energy storage, and AI-optimized systems will stabilize renewable energy sources. Read more on how these cutting-edge advancements are reshaping the future of clean energy.

Student Profile – Shivam Hasurkar

Shivam Ravindra Hasurkar is a master’s student in software engineering, specializing in enterprise technologies. Growing up in Kolhapur, India, Shivam has journeyed far, both geographically and academically, as he immerses himself in the culture of Silicon Valley and the opportunities it provides.

Growing up surrounded by computers and smartphones, Shivam’s curiosity for software was sparked at a young age. This interest guided him toward a degree in Computer Science and Engineering, three internships, and a position at Persistent Systems in Pune. There, he focused on legacy C++ for 5G and voice protocol projects, even earning a Bravo Award for his efforts.

In addition to his academic and professional achievements, Shivam’s interests extend beyond his studies. He won the LAHacks hackathon in the AI track, serving as Vice President of the Indian Student Organization at SJSU, and hosts a podcast called Unboxing Stories, which has listeners in over 14 countries.

This past summer, Shivam interned at @Adobe on the Premiere Pro team, tasked with the “Import as Proxy” feature. Working with Adobe’s complex 25-year-old C++ codebase was a challenge, but Shivam completed the project knowing it would be used by thousands of Premiere Pro users. Adobe’s collaborative and inclusive culture left a profound impact on him, and seeing employees who have worked there for decades spoke volumes about the company’s positive work environment. “It was incredible to see how Adobe places such a high value on collaboration and respect for diverse perspectives,” he says. Currently, Shivam is working part-time at FetchAI, developing AI agents.

Shivam landed the internship with Adobe by connecting with an SJSU alumni on LinkedIn, who referred him for the role, giving him a leg up in the pool of candidates. Shivam’s advice to other students is, “Don’t give up. Rejections are a part of the process, but consistency and strategic applications make a huge difference.”

Reflecting on his journey, he urges students to explore different career paths to discover what resonates most, sharing that his opportunities have often come from simply reaching out and taking a chance. “If you don’t ask, the answer is always ‘no,’” he says.

With a wealth of experience from multiple internships and two full-time jobs, Shivam wants to work on products that blend customer needs with technical innovation. “I want to use my programming skills to solve real-world problems in a way that’s user-centric,” he shares. With a long-term vision to design solutions that make a meaningful impact. As he continues to grow, he is an example for those who dream big and work hard, can turn those dreams into reality.

National Native American Heritage Month

National Native American Heritage Month, celebrated each November, honors the history, cultures, and contributions of Native Americans while also acknowledging the complex legacy of land issues that Indigenous people have faced. This month provides an opportunity to recognize Indigenous resilience, creativity, and leadership throughout history and today. It serves as a time to learn about the cultural heritage and histories of Native American tribes, their traditions, and the impactful roles they have played in shaping the nation.

National Semiconductor Technology Center coming to Bay Area featuring Prof. Ahmed Banafa

California has been chosen to host the National Semiconductor Technology Center, bringing a major boost to America’s semiconductor capabilities right in the heart of Silicon Valley. Supported by the CHIPS and Science Act, this new facility in Sunnyvale will connect top-tier tech talent, research, industry partnerships, and more importantly present opportunities to SJSU engineering students.

Read the full story now!

Fun Fact on Nov 7

1893: women got the right to vote in Colorado, U.S, this is the second state to grant women this right
1916: Jeannette Rankin became the first woman elected to the United States Congress
1989: Douglas Wilder became the first elected Black governor in the United States.
1989: David Dinkins became the first elected Black mayor of New York City.

Student Profile – Juliette Noyer

Juliette Noyer has always been inspired to go the extra mile—literally and figuratively. Originally from Chambéry, France, she moved stateside in 2019, chasing her dreams of studying biomedical engineering. Now in her first graduate year at San José State University, she is on a mission to make a meaningful impact in healthcare while honoring the values and legacy of her grandfather.

Juliette’s passion came from her grandfather, who was a lifelong sports enthusiast and her greatest supporter. In 2017, she lost her grandfather to cancer which solidified her desire to contribute to life-saving advancements. Her mom taught her to always dream big and embrace the world’s possibilities, and her father taught her that hard work and humility matter most. “Their values are with me every day, reminding me to approach healthcare and athletics with purpose,” she says.

She started triathlon and track at just 13 years old, and competed at a high level in France. Her athletic experience taught her that setbacks aren’t roadblocks, but growth opportunities. “Being an athlete has helped me embrace challenges as part of the journey,” she explains. “It’s shown me how to view obstacles as chances to learn, both in sports and in life.”

During her five years at the National Collegiate Athletics Association, she learned to balance the demanding training schedules and rigorous engineering coursework. “I’d set clear goals and communicate openly with my professors about my commitments,” she says. “While I had to make sacrifices, it instilled a discipline and a sense of purpose that have carried into my career and research.”

The most challenging time was during peak season when competition and exams often overlapped. It can be overwhelming, but Juliette’s support system of coaches, family, and teammates helped her through the most challenging times, especially her trainer Rachel who supported her mentally and physically. These challenges made her respect the importance of balance, recharging, and knowing her limits. Even with all these challenges, Juliette gains something more rewarding, a sense of community, being part of something bigger, and achieving goals on behalf of SJSU.

After officially retiring from collegiate athletics, her advancement in her field has only grown. With support from the Biomedical Engineering department and the Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering, she has received the Future of Silicon Valley Scholarship, the Outstanding Senior Award, and the Undergraduate Research Award—achievements that propelled her work in cardiovascular and mitochondrial research. “The support from both my athletic and academic departments has been incredible, providing me with connections to mentors and leaders in my field.” she shares.

Juliette’s advice for young athletes is “Embrace every moment and don’t shy away from tough days—they’re what builds resilience. Sports teach you so much about who you are and what you can achieve.”

After graduation, she plans to start her Ph.D. journey to further her impact in biomedical engineering, with a specific focus on cardiovascular research, a field close to her heart.

Halloween History

The holiday’s origin is traced back to the Celtic festival of Samhain over 2,000 years ago. The full holiday name was “All Hallows Even (or Eve)” which got shortened to “Hallowe’en” and now to what we know as “Halloween”.

The term “trick or treat” originated from a German-American Christmas tradition where children would dress up and let adults guess the identity of their costume.

Orange and black color tie to the holiday tie back to the Celtic festival of Samhain according to the Library of Congress. It marks the end of the harvest season represented in the color black and the beginning of the winter with the orange color.

A full moon on Halloween night only occurs every 18-19 years according to NASA, the last one was in 2020 and the next one will occur in 2039.

According to a 2023 WBIW radio station report 25% of adults pretend not to be at home during Halloween

The World’s Smallest Quantum Computer: A New Era in Quantum Computing with a Single High-Dimensional Photon – Prof Ahmed Banafa

Data processing has achieved a major leap with the development of the world’s smallest quantum computer using a single high-dimensional photon and time-bin encoding, which runs complex algorithms like Shor’s without needing extreme cooling. This breakthrough creates a compact, noise-resistant, and scalable system with the potential to revolutionize fields from cybersecurity—where quantum capabilities could upend current encryption—to artificial intelligence, drug discovery, and logistics optimization. As photon-based quantum systems become more feasible for real-world applications demands for new approaches in policy, security, and innovation rise. Read the full article now!

Student Profile – Kevin Hong

Meet Kevin Hong, a second-year Mechanical Engineering student at San José State University (SJSU) with a passion for cars and engineering. Growing up in Oakland, CA, Kevin’s journey began with building Lego cars and trucks, watching “Top Gear,” and diving deep into the technical explanations offered by YouTuber Engineering Explained. His fascination with how and why things work laid the foundation for a career in mechanical engineering.

Kevin’s high school Creative Technology class introduced him to design and manufacturing, igniting his interest further. But it was joining SJSU’s Formula SAE team that truly put him on the fast track. Initially starting with little knowledge, Kevin learned by doing—designing sprockets and axles for the team’s race car. His hands-on work in the shop, supported by dedicated mentors at Spartan Racing, helped him develop confidence and expertise. This practical experience, Kevin says, has been an incredibly rewarding part of his education.

Last summer, Kevin interned at Kleinfelder, a civil engineering firm that gave him a new perspective on how engineering impacts everyday life. His role involved assisting engineers in ensuring transmission lines were up to code and interpreting historical data. While civil engineering wasn’t his original focus, the experience opened Kevin’s eyes to the breadth of engineering and its applications beyond just technology.

Kevin advises other students not to limit their education to just the classroom. “Don’t fail your classes, but definitely work on projects outside of them,” he says. Encouraging others to step out of their comfort zones, build practical skills, and communicate with others to open doors to new opportunities—just as he did in landing his internship.

Like many, Kevin has faced doubts, especially when it comes to leadership. Now tasked with leading a team, he’s learning to overcome feelings of inadequacy by acknowledging that he’s still early in his career and that leadership is a skill developed over time. “Take a breather and acknowledge your situation. Not everyone is perfect, and the best way to learn is through mistakes,” he says.

Kevin’s ultimate goal isn’t defined by a specific job title but by a desire to broaden his horizons. “I want to learn as much as I can about the world,” he shares. “Engineering doesn’t just teach technical skills—it teaches problem-solving and other life lessons that will help me grow both personally and professionally.”

Even though Kevin has only started his sophomore year, he is off to a great start and deep understanding of the industry he will be joining after graduating in 2027.

10th Annual Conference on Engineering Diversity

This past weekend, the Conference for Engineering Diversity (CED) marked a huge milestone by celebrating the 10th anniversary of the event. In 2014, a group of students came together with the idea of creating a conference that would help spread awareness and create opportunities for engineering students at SJSU from diverse backgrounds. CED started with only a few sponsors and less than 100 participants but soon grew into an event that encouraged an unexpected number of individuals to attend. Fast forward to 2024, the conference had over 750 registered participants, spanning the entire second floor of the Student Union, and gave out over $10,000 in raffle prizes, innovative competition awards, and scholarships, all of which built into a day of connections for those hungry to network. With over 15 participating companies from CSI and Core Builders to Lockheed Martin and Berkeley Labs, this year’s conference was able to put on workshops, resume reviews, offer free headshots from professional photographers, and network. This was an incredible day full of opportunities and support not only for the diverse SJSU campus but for other higher education properties around the Bay Area to enjoy.

“The organizers of the event would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the incredible volunteers for their efforts in making this year’s conference the best one yet! CED volunteers elevated the experience for attendees by going the extra mile to make everyone feel welcomed, supported, and included.  A lasting impact was made on the success of the conference through the dedication, enthusiasm, and professionalism of the volunteers. Thank you all for your support and commitment, we wouldn’t be able to do it without you and we can’t thank you enough,” said Mathew Stowe, Director of MESA and Students Programs Minority Engineering Program.

Historical Events on October 24

1861: the first transcontinental telegraph line was completed in the United States, connecting the West to East coast
1885: Alice Perry was born, she was the first woman to receive a degree in engineering in Europe
1946: the V-2 No. 13 rocket took the first photo of Earth from outer space
2007:  Chang’e 1 was the first satellite in the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program that was launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Center. It was named after the Chinese moon goddess

The Future of Connectivity: Understanding 6G and Its Potential Impact on Technology and Applications – Prof. Ahmed Banafa

6G technology, though still in its conceptual phase, promises to revolutionize telecommunications and digital infrastructure in ways that far surpass 5G. This emerging technology will offer many benefits to the public, including faster data rates, more reliable connections, immersive experiences such as virtual reality, augmented reality, holographic communication, 3D digital spaces, and better remote work, improved healthcare, superior education, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. 6G will reduce the need to travel for work, leisure, education, or healthcare, which will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

From terahertz frequencies enabling ultra-fast data transmission to AI-driven networks with sub-millisecond latency, 6G will unlock unprecedented capabilities like real-time holographic communication, autonomous systems, and immersive extended reality experiences. Read more about the exciting future of 6G and discover how it could redefine the way we live, work, and interact.

Read the full article.