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.