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Student Profile – Clarence Choi

For Clarence Choi, engineering isn’t just a field of study—it’s a mindset shaped by curiosity, creativity, and community. Now as a first-year master’s student in Mechanical Engineering at San José State University, Clarence has spent his academic journey practicing classroom knowledge with hands-on experience. Whether he’s building scale models, capturing scenic shots on hiking trails, or leading initiatives with Spartan Racing, his approach to engineering reflects a passion for discovery and helping others grow alongside him.

Born and raised in Pleasanton, California, Clarence’s heritage originates from Hong Kong and Shanghai, and he’s proud to be the first person in his family born in America to attend college. From childhood his interest in building Legos and watching shows like “How It’s Made” and “Mythbusters”—sparked a fascination with how things work. As he progressed through hands-on classes in school, that curiosity spark grew into a career pursuit toward engineering.

At first, Clarence didn’t have any intention of taking up any leadership role within Spartan Racing. However, after being inspired by Matan Blum’s work, a 2022 alumni, he became treasurer and took on responsibilities in logistics, documentation, and strengthening the College’s relationship with the team. His most memorable project was the SR-15, the team’s 2023-2024 car, where he managed everything from budget oversight and merchandise organization to brake system design and validation alongside 2 other students, Rahul S and Aaron B. That year, the car placed 5th in the nation and 1st in California.

Beyond technical knowledge, Clarence values the real-world lessons that can’t be taught in a classroom—time management, project leadership, and mentoring others. Being part of Spartan Racing allowed him to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. From meeting deadlines to collaborating with teammates on complex projects, all gave him a taste of industry expectations. Engaging with alumni also provided valuable insights and advice that helped guide the team’s design decisions.

As he passes the baton to the next generation of Spartan Racing leaders, Clarence advises, “A physical/digital documentation with images creates a better path of writing as it can be applied to technical papers and reports.” His efforts to establish better documentation practices ensured future members could continue improving the team’s performance, especially by having new members read it and ask questions, filtering out “holes” in the document.

Clarence may not have his future perfectly mapped out, but he is certain that he wants to be part of a passionate, collaborative team solving complex problems. “I don’t know where I’ll be. I do know I want to work with a good team and take down whatever problems that get thrown at me” he says, “to work in an industry that has passionate people is definitely something meaningful to me!” With his passion, adaptability, and dedication to teamwork, Clarence Choi is going full throttle into a future built on impact.

Excitement in the Air as Admitted Spartans Visit the College of Engineering

On Saturday, April 12, the College of Engineering welcomed admitted students and their families for a special on-campus visit filled with energy, curiosity, and anticipation. The event offered future engineers a firsthand look at the vibrant academic community and innovative resources that await them.

The day featured guided lab tours across all departments, where visitors got an inside look at ongoing research and cutting-edge technology. One standout attraction was the flight simulator lab, which drew particular interest from students eager to explore aviation as their major.
Each engineering department hosted engaging presentations, with civil, electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering sessions drawing especially large crowds. In fact, the turnout was so strong that the areas filled to standing room only, a clear sign of the enthusiasm and interest among the admitted students and their families.

Adding a personal touch to the day, visitors had the unique opportunity to enjoy coffee and conversation with Dean Sheryl Ehrman. The informal gathering offered a chance to ask questions, hear about the college’s vision, and connect directly with the leadership.
The event served not only to showcase the strengths of the College of Engineering but also to welcome the next generation of innovators into a community ready to inspire and support their educational journey.

A big thank you to the faculty, staff, and student volunteers who gave their time to the event. A special shout out to Brandi Rubino, the CoE events aficionado, for pulling ASD together!

API & SWANA Heritage Month – ATM Machine

In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, this article highlights the remarkable journey of Dr. Đỗ Đức Cường, a Vietnamese-born inventor who revolutionized the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) industry. Growing up in the rural countryside of Việt Nam, Dr. Cường overcame numerous challenges to become a trailblazer in engineering and banking. After earning a scholarship to study in Japan and working for Toshiba, he moved to the United States. In 1977, Dr. Cường was personally invited by Citibank’s CEO to join the company, where he led a team of engineers in tackling the challenge of enhancing financial services for the public. His leadership played a pivotal role in the development of the ATM, a now-essential technology that has transformed how we access cash and reshaped the banking experience. Read the full article to learn more about his story.

Hacked Silicon Valley crosswalk buttons play messages imitating Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk – featuring Prof. Ahmed Banafa

Crosswalk buttons across the Peninsula stunned pedestrians this weekend by playing hacked voice messages impersonating Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, delivering bizarre and unsettling monologues about AI, loneliness, and even cybertrucks. The prank, which affected intersections in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Redwood City, prompted swift action from city officials to disable the audio systems. This strange incident has everyone asking—how did this happen, and who’s behind it? Watch the full video to hear the hacked crosswalks for yourself.

College of Engineering GO Program to Conclude This Semester

The College of Engineering’s GO Program will officially conclude at the end of the current semester. Designed to encourage student engagement through events and activities, the program has provided students with opportunities to earn points toward a variety of prizes.
Students who have accumulated 30 points or more are encouraged to redeem their points for rewards as outlined on the CoE GO Program webpages before the program ends.

For details on available prizes and the redemption process, please visit the GO Program section on the College of Engineering website. Don’t miss your chance to claim your rewards before the semester wraps up!

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Student Profile – Abel Atsbaha

Abel Atsbaha is a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering student at San José State University who is driven by innovation and a vision to improve the efficiency of modern technology, especially for medical and automotive devices. Originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Abel moved to the United States in 2019, becoming the first in his family to pursue higher education in the U.S..

Inspired early on by his father’s work as a civil engineer, he was fascinated by the way ideas on paper could be transformed into real-world structures. His interest solidified in high school through a biology class, sparking his desire to explore medical applications like surgical robotics—leading him to pursue Mechanical Engineering with a focus on mechatronics.

Last summer, Abel interned at Sunbelt Controls in their rotational program that exposed him to multiple disciplines within building automation. As a controls design engineer, he got to work on designing a control system and creating intuitive Human-Machine Interface graphics. He also got to use Direct Digital Control (DDC) to implement electrical interfaces, converting a design into functional systems. The internship sharpened both his technical skills and his appreciation for interdisciplinary teamwork. “These experiences inspired me to think beyond building automation,” Abel says, “motivating me to explore applications of dynamics and control systems in the medical and automotive sectors.”

Abel credits the welcoming and supportive culture at Sunbelt Controls for making his internship experience truly meaningful. “They were very welcoming and open to answering questions, whether it be technical, professional, or even personal,” he says. He discovered the opportunity during the Spring 2024 SJSU Career Fair, in a conversation with a fellow Spartan alumni recruiter.

Reflecting on his growth at SJSU, Abel is most proud of the persistence and adaptability he’s developed. “Whenever I face a challenge, I see it as an opportunity to learn” he shares. For students aspiring to follow a similar path, networking is one of Abel’s biggest points of advice. Whether on LinkedIn, at career fairs, or even with classmates, these connections will help you showcase your interests and technical skills.

Abel aspires to work in medical technology, focusing on developing surgical devices that enhance patient outcomes. He’s also eager to contribute to the development of suspension systems and Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), working to create safer and more efficient vehicles.

Biomedical Conference Recap

At the April 2, 2025, Bay Area Biomedical Device Conference at San Jose State University, attendees had an opportunity to get a glimpse into the latest advances in medical device technologies and regulations.

Dean Sheryl Ehrman from SJSU College of Engineering kicked off the event, followed by speakers from organizations such as Genentech, Intuitive Surgical, Medtronic, NASA, Santa Clara University, and Stanford.

In the afternoon an industry panel made up of representatives from Butterfly Biosciences, Kaiser Permanente, PROCEPT BioRobotics and STG Law Firm came together to discuss AI and Biomedical Devices: Challenges and Opportunities. The panel was moderated by Joe Grzywacz of the SJSU College of Health and Human Sciences.

College of Engineering Biomedical Engineering Department Chair, Dr. Alessandro Bellofiore, closed the event. A big thank you to Professors Lin Jiang, Yun Wang, student organizer Aaheli Das, and the rest of the student volunteers for making this event a success. Also, thank you to the sponsors: Steri-Tek, MTM, WESTPAK, and APOMed Consultants for their support of the event.

API & SWANA Heritage Month – SJSU Events

As we near the end of the academic year, SJSU invites you to celebrate Asian & Pacific Islander (API) Heritage Month and Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) Heritage Month this April. While API Heritage Month is nationally observed in May, we honor these rich histories through these events in April to align with our academic calendar.

Trump Extends Deadline for a TikTok Deal – Featuring Prof. Ahmed Banafa (KTVU FOX 2)

TikTok, the famous social media platform was banned briefly back in January due to national security risks, however, President Trump signed an executive order extending the deadline for ByteDance to sell the platform to an American company.  This deadline was passed on April 5th, causing the President to issue another executive order to extend it. Listen to Professor Ahmed Banafa explain what President Trump’s deadline extension means for TikTok.

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Student Profile – Aleeza Huraira

Aleeza Huraira is a junior majoring in Computer Engineering at San José State University. Currently, she serves as the president of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) at SJSU, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women in engineering and technology to reach their full potential. As president, Aleeza is committed to creating an interdisciplinary, inclusive, and supportive environment where students from all backgrounds can connect and build a strong community.  Outside of SJSU, she has gained valuable experience in both software and hardware engineering through internships at Uber and Advantest. Watch her full interview now!

Inspiring 2025 WiE Conference

On March 15 over 500 individuals came together at the 11th annual Women in Engineering (WiE) conference to see the latest trends, hear from leaders in industry, and network. This year’s theme was “Engineering a New Era of Possibilities.” The morning kicked off with Dean Sheryl Ehrman welcoming all attendees, which was followed by remarks from representatives from Stanford, Google Deepmind, and TSMC. There were several breakout sessions throughout the day including: Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics and Healthcare, Biomedical, and Aerospace, to name a few.

Motivation for Attending WiE

Esperanza Marguez, a San José City College transfer student now attending SJSU and majoring in chemistry, was curious about the university’s engineering program. She also wanted to make new connections at the conference and enjoyed being at an event where women in STEM were being highlighted.

Ann Jojo, a software engineering major at CSU Monterey Bay, hoped to meet more women in the computer science field to help her decide what sector of technology to go into after graduation. “I hope to make a great impact and change people’s lives someday,” she said.

Ron Paige, who happens to be the only African American math professor in the history of City College of San Francisco (CCSF), wants to see an increase in the number of underrepresented individuals in STEM. He rallied students at CCSF to be at WiE so they could be in a space where they could see their potential. “We can learn so much from each other, and I want to encourage everyone to continue exploring and keep those relationships going like the ones that are created at the conference,” he added.

Areesha Imtiaz, a junior computer science student attending Cal Poly Pomona, wanted to make connections at the conference in order to secure an internship.

Heba Alazzeh, who is currently a student at the College of San Mateo, came to the conference because she’s passionate about technology and STEM and wanted to connect with more women in the field. “It’s great to see women supporting, uplifting, and inspiring one another at a conference like WiE,” she said.

Javier Aginiga Alvarez, a physics major at Sacramento City College who hopes to transfer to one of the four-year universities that includes SJSU, wanted to see inspiration from those who don’t always get the first chance. “I’m a big believer in women and this is an event that’s empowering,” he explained.

Javier’s outlook in wanting to see women succeed was forged in growing up with a mother and sister, but no male influence in his immediate family. Seeing how important his mother and sister were in his life gave him a perspective on having women in STEM and beyond. Seeing the innovation and networking that the women at WiE brought to the table was inspiring to him. “It’s very important that men and women work together in the STEM area because each individual brings a different perspective to the workplace or project. No matter if you are a man or a woman, keep following your dreams!”

Thank You, Sponsors

Thanks to all the volunteers, speakers, and attendees for making the 2025 WiE conference another successful event. Thanks also to the sponsors: The Mark and Carolyn Guidry Women in Engineering Program Fund, Dexcom, Google, Applied Materials, Erika Lockheimer, IBM, Kiewit, KLA, Lockheed Martin, Marvel, and Synopsys for their continued support of the event.

Prof. Ahmed Banafa – 23andMe Data Deletion

Back in October, Bay Area-based genealogy company 23andMe became the victim of a massive data breach, and now, the company is in financial distress. California Attorney General Rob Bonta is warning the 7 million customers who were affected to consider deleting their data. Join KCBS radio news anchor Liz Saint John and Professor Banafa at San José State University who specialize in technology and cybersecurity on how these data can be taken advantage of.

Listen to the interview.

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Student Profile – Bhavagyna Vegunta

As a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering student at San José State University, Bhavagyna Vegunta has built her college journey around exploration, problem-solving, and hands-on experience. She has immersed herself in research, internships, and real-world engineering applications that will shape her career as she graduates this Spring semester. Outside of academics, she enjoys traveling, snowshoeing, and playing tennis.

Growing up in the Bay Area, Bhavagyna was surrounded by a supportive family who encouraged her to follow her passions. Her engineering spark began in Dr. John Lee’s microfluidics research group, where she was able to practice the fundamentals she was learning in class directly on applications. This experience led her to pursue internships in the defense and tech industries, allowing her to refine her interests in mechanical engineering.

Currently, Bhavagyna is interning at Tesla on the End-Of-Line Optimus actuators team, where she is contributing to the development of Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus. Her experience was transformative, pushing her growth as an engineer by applying problem-solving skills in a high-paced environment. Working alongside experienced engineers has deepened her technical expertise and strengthened her ability to implement real-world solutions. She appreciates the fast-paced culture at Tesla, especially within her team, as they inspired her with their dedication of pushing the technological boundaries.

To students aspiring to land similar roles, she advises them to step outside their comfort zones, stay persistent, and continuously seek learning opportunities. Another thing to think about is to schedule your classes strategically each semester. Bhavagyna was able to take on a full-time internship opportunity during the spring semester because of this.

After graduating, Bhavagyna hopes to be part of an engaging and inclusive team like the one she is currently part of. Working on Optimus has been a dream come true for her, and she envisions a future where she continues contributing to groundbreaking projects that merge engineering and innovation.

Women History Month – 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion

National Archives

In honor of Women’s History Month, we want to recognize the remarkable contributions of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the “Six Triple Eight.” Composed primarily of Black women, along with members of Caribbean and Mexican descent, this battalion was the only all-Black women’s unit to serve overseas during World War II. Led by Major Charity Adams, the highest-ranking Black female officer, the 6888th was tasked with clearing a massive backlog of undelivered mail for U.S. troops stationed in Europe. Facing harsh working conditions and racial discrimination, the women of the 6888th worked tirelessly in shifts, processing over 65,000 pieces of mail per shift and boosting the morale of millions of soldiers with their motto, “No mail, low morale.”

Despite their critical role in supporting the war effort, the women of the 6888th received little recognition upon returning home in 1946. However, their legacy of perseverance and excellence was later honored with numerous accolades, including the Congressional Gold Medal awarded in 2022. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor the courage and dedication of the 6888th Battalion and their lasting impact on history. Read their full story now!

CommUniverCity Campus Tour

Over the past two weeks, CommUniverCity partnered with the Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering at San José State University (SJSU) to introduce over 120 middle school students to real-world engineering applications through interactive activities. Students explored aviation and aerospace engineering by adjusting weight distributions on foam airplanes and experimented with temperature effects on polymers using Silly Putty and ice water, connecting the lesson to the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. They also learned about various undergraduate majors offered by the College of Engineering, sparking curiosity about potential future careers.

Prof. Ahmed Banafa – AI Regulations

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries and societies, offering incredible advancements in healthcare, economic growth, and scientific discovery. ​ However, the lack of regulatory frameworks and ethical guidelines poses significant risks, including bias, misinformation, surveillance, job displacement, cybersecurity threats, and existential dangers. Ahmed Banafa explores the urgent need for AI regulations to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical development while balancing innovation and societal values. Read the full article now!

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SJSU Day of Giving

SJSU’s 1857 Minutes of Giving is on March 11-12, and we’re aiming to make the most of this incredible opportunity. Mark your calendar and join us in making a positive impact on our SJSU community. Your support will help us achieve our goals and contribute to the thriving community we all cherish. We appreciate your consideration and support. Together, let’s make SJSU’s 1857 Minutes of Giving a success and bring our project to life!

Student Profile – Caroline Glaser

Caroline Glaser, a junior mechanical engineering student at San José State University, believes that engineering is more than just equations and theoretical models—it’s a tool for real-world problem-solving and sustainability. Currently, she is working at the Industrial Training and Assessment Center (ITAC), a program under the US Department of Energy where she provides energy assessments to manufacturers to optimize energy efficiency in their operations. Caroline also leads the newly founded Fixit Clinic at SJSU, applying her engineering knowledge in ways that make a tangible impact. Outside of academics, she finds balance through music, playing guitar, piano, bass, and drums to clear her mind and focus.

A native of the East Bay in the San Francisco Bay Area, Caroline comes from a family deeply rooted in education and science. She grew up surrounded by curiosity and problem-solving, and her fascination with how everyday objects function led her to mechanical engineering—a field that blends science, creativity, and problem-solving to improve daily life. As one of the 12% of women in SJSU’s mechanical engineering department, Caroline is motivated to push boundaries and make meaningful contributions to the industry.

Inspired by her experiences attending repair events hosted by the Fixit Clinic and seeing how everyday objects are designed internally, she recognized the need for engineering students to engage with real-world applications beyond theoretical coursework. After reaching out to Fixit Clinic’s founder, she was given the opportunity to establish a branch at SJSU, where students and community members can repair broken household items while developing their technical skills. She stated, “I believe that understanding how and why everyday objects fail can help future engineers design more durable and sustainable products.”

The first Fixit Clinic event was a resounding success, with 20 Fixit Coaches and student volunteers repairing over 35 items. Caroline played a pivotal role in organizing the event, recruiting volunteers, coordinating logistics, outreach with faculty and staff to promote the event, and now forging partnerships with the City of San José to expand the clinic’s impact beyond campus. Seeing students grow in confidence in their hands-on problem-solving skills and repairing everyday items has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her leadership.
These experiences taught Caroline how to think critically, handle unexpected changes, and work collaboratively in a team, “while technical knowledge is the foundation of engineering, I’ve learned that being able to clearly explain complex concepts and collaborate with others is equally as important,” she says.

For future leaders of the Fixit Clinic, Caroline emphasizes the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and interdisciplinary partnerships. Bringing together engineers, marketing students, and event management teams has strengthened the clinic’s reach and will obtain the Clinic’s long-term success. Looking ahead, she envisions herself working on projects that challenge her technically, fosters innovation in a team setting, and experiences meaningful change in people’s lives with the project.

With a strong foundation in hands-on learning, sustainability, and leadership, Caroline Glaser is guiding future engineering from the classroom and into the real world with one repaired coffee maker at a time.

Interested in joining? Check out SJSU FixItClinic’s Instagram page now!

The Inventions of Women

Olga Gonzalez-Sanabria, a Puerto Rican scientist and engineer, was crucial in developing long-lasting nickel-hydrogen batteries for the International Space Station. As a leader at NASA, her contributions improved battery efficiency, enabling spacecraft and satellites to store and use energy more effectively in space, which is a vital factor in sustaining human space exploration.

Florence Parpart, an American inventor, patented the modern electric refrigerator in 1914. Her invention revolutionized food preservation and household convenience. It replaced the icebox, making it easier for families to store food safely for longer periods.

Ellen Ochoa, an astronaut and optical engineer, co-invented an optical analysis system that enhances image processing to detect flaws in repeating patterns. This innovation has improved quality control in manufacturing and space-based imaging. Ochoa later became the first Hispanic woman in space and the first female director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

Swiss physicist Ursula Keller invented the semiconductor saturable-absorber mirror (SESAM), a breakthrough in ultrafast laser technology. This innovation allows lasers to produce extremely short pulses, which are essential in fields like telecommunications, medical imaging, and precision manufacturing. Keller’s work has significantly advanced laser technology, making high-speed optical applications more efficient and accessible.

Sensate AI: Revolutionizing Human-Machine Interaction with Multisensory Intelligence – Prof Ahmed Banafa

What if artificial intelligence (AI) could see, hear, touch, taste, and talk to experience the world just like we do? Enter Sensate AI, a groundbreaking leap that blurs the line between machine and human perception. With advanced sensory capabilities inspired by the human brain, this AI can navigate environments, interpret emotions, engage in natural conversations, and even “taste” chemical compositions. The endless possibilities in healthcare diagnostics to immersive education and creative expression.

Read the full article to explore the future of AI-human interaction.