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.