Student Profile – Deema Saddik
Deema Saddik, a Junior in Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) at San Jose State University (SJSU), stands out not only for her academic journey but also for her passion for engineering and commitment to community service. Growing up right here in San Jose, Deema’s journey into engineering was inspired by her natural affinity for math and science. But the event that ignited the spark was when she became a volleyball coaching assistant in high school and started analyzing how to improve the team’s performance. She soon discovered a love for problem-solving and a desire to make meaningful contributions to society through process and system improvements.
She always imagined going to a school far away from home so San Jose State’s College of Engineering was initially not in Deema’s plans. However, after touring various universities, she saw what SJSU had to offer: hands-on programs and proximity to industry leaders in the Bay Area.
The decision to remain in the Bay Area came with financial stress which was eased by the Dale and Sue Missimer Engineering Scholarship. Deema is grateful for the scholarship’s support.
Reflecting on her college experience, Deema emphasizes the importance of time management and prioritization. Lessons she learned through balancing academics in the transition from high school to college. The advice she would give to her past self would be not to strive for perfection, but rather excellence, Perfection is unattainable and comes with the risk of your well-being. Excellence, however, reflects more on the real-world setting of what you already have and know. She also advises incoming students to embrace self-discovery, seek guidance, and trust their instincts when navigating major life decisions.
Outside of academics, Deema is actively involved in community service. She has been volunteering at a local Sunday school for the past six years. As a Muslim, she believes that everyone is a brother, a sister, and a family. This has been reflected in her classroom, fostering a collaborative and safe environment for students to have open discussions, explore their identities, and connect with one another.
Looking ahead, Deema envisions a career where she can merge her engineering expertise with her passion for social impact. Her dream job involves working with medical devices in the healthcare industry to help improve the diagnostic process and quality of care for patients.
Deema’s story reminds us of embracing uncertainty as an opportunity for growth and self-realization. She advises others to seek guidance, reflect on personal values, and to have trust in oneself.
2024 SJSU Engineering Showcase Recap
On Monday, April 15, the College of Engineering (CoE) held its annual Showcase where alumni and industry friends engaged with the next generation of talent, innovation, research, and designs. The Showcase event was a part of SJSU’s Research Week 2024, which ends on Friday, April 18. The focus of the CoE event was on fostering connections and highlighting the amazing projects students have been working on.
On display at the event were: algorithms for self-forming DNA meshes, facial recognition models for identifying various types of autism, materials used to create a buoyant cement canoe, quantum computing, stackable cube clusters for personal cloud storage, urban forestry data collection, smart farming monitoring, and so much more.
The Spartan SR-14 electric car won as the most engaging project, and the Mechatronics and Control System Design of a Bimanual Hand Exoskeleton with a Sensorized Soft Glove captured the most innovative category win. Both of these projects fall under the Mechanical Engineering department umbrella. Congratulations to both teams!
Alumni and friend of the CoE, Tim Li, received the award of distinction which recognizes an individual who has achieved superior professional accomplishments and applauds the recipient’s outstanding citizenship through community or professional service. Well done, Tim!
A huge thank you to the sponsors: The Beall Family Foundation, San Jose Water, and Salas O’Brien for their contributions and commitment to the College of Engineering that made the 2024 Showcase possible!
Diversity Month
Image courtesy of MIT, Department of Physics
Nergis Mavalvala’s journey to Cambridge University speaks volumes of perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of knowledge. As a Pakistani-American astrophysicist, Mavalvala’s groundbreaking work in the detection of gravitational waves has earned her international acclaim.
Born and raised in Pakistan, Mavalvala’s early years were shaped by a curiosity about the cosmos. Educated at the Convent of Jesus and Mary, she pursued her passion for physics and astronomy at Wellesley College in the United States, under the mentorship of Rainer Weiss at MIT.
Mavalvala’s contribution to the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) project revolutionized our understanding of the universe and helped engineers to develop spacing equipment better. Over two decades, her relentless efforts led to the historic observation of gravitational waves in 2015, when two black holes collided, confirming Einstein’s theory of relativity, which proposes that gravity arises from the curvature of spacetime.
Perhaps equally as remarkable as her scientific achievements is Mavalvala’s advocacy for academic and inclusion in STEM fields. As an openly queer woman of Pakistani descent, she has shattered stereotypes and defied societal expectations, serving as a role model for aspiring scientists from underrepresented backgrounds. Mavalvala stated, “I grew up in a family where the stereotypical gender roles were not really observed. So I grew up thinking women can, must, and should do anything and everything.” She also believes that access to education is how you can find who you are, do what you love, and contribute to society anywhere in the world for anyone.
Mavalvala’s impact extends far beyond the laboratory. Today as the Dean of MIT’s School of Science, she is dedicated to fostering an environment where all individuals, regardless of background or identity, can thrive and succeed. Her commitment to mentorship and advocacy has inspired countless students and researchers to pursue their passions.
In a world where scientific progress thrives on diversity, Mavalvala stands as a symbol, reminding us of the transformative power of inclusion. As we celebrate her achievements, let’s remember that embracing diverse perspectives is key to unlocking new dimensions in science and engineering.
5 Questions with Author, Educator, and Influencer Ahmed Banafa
Discover Prof. Ahmed Banafa’s insightful perspective on the current state of artificial intelligence and its ethical considerations. From addressing bias and fairness to envisioning the impact on the future job market, he provides comprehensive insights into AI’s challenges and opportunities, from recommendations for minimizing bias in AI algorithms, to effectively integrating AI into education. Professor Banafa offers a roadmap for navigating AI technology’s complex landscape. Read the full article now.